A 9-year-old boy and his 7-year-old sister were discovered hiding on a secluded farm, still in diapers and communicating exclusively through their own rudimentary language.
The brothers and sisters were described as 'dirty' when they were found by shocked officials during the evacuation of a run-down building near Lauriano, just outside Turin.
Italy
in the face of potential flood dangers
as concerns about rising waters loom
against the backdrop of possible inundation
with fears of water levels increasing sharply
during heightened risks of overflowing rivers
while facing an elevated chance of flash floods
Their parents had not officially recorded their existence with... health Officials or educational institutions have been referred to as "ghost children" in local media coverage, highlighting how these individuals remain isolated from society at large.
According to local news outlets, their father, a 54-year-old sculptor, and their 38-year-old mother are both citizens of the Netherlands.
Local media reported that their father said he was educating the two at home, even though both were unable to read or write.
Expressing concerns over infections such as COVID-19, he said in an interview with the Italian publication Corriere Torino: 'I adore my kids; I simply wished to safeguard them.'
The man claimed the children had use of laptops, musical instruments, and even participated in activities like skiing and horseback riding—but officials soon discovered the children were unable to read or write.
The two minors were promptly placed under protective custody after receiving an urgent directive issued by the Turin Youth Tribunal.
The court stated in its decision: "Certain circumstances indicate that the children lack sufficient support from their parents or guardians, who have an obligation to offer such care."
Plans are put in place to have the children placed in foster homes.
The local mayor, Mara Baccolla, stated: 'This is an extremely sensitive issue. At last, these children will be able to achieve stability and gain access to a truly decent quality of life.'
She portrayed the father as seeming 'quite withdrawn' and not able to converse in Italian.
Residents expressed surprise upon learning about the children's presence. Although some had observed changes in ownership of the farmhouse, no one reported having seen or heard any young people living there.
Were taken aback—although a few had spotted the farmhouse being sold, nobody had witnessed or overheard any indication of kids living within.
It remains uncertain whether the parents will encounter additional consequences.
Contact our news team by sending an email to webnews@Axofa.co.uk .
Explore additional tales similar to this one here: check our news page .
Keep yourself informed on the latest buzzworthy stories by subscribing to Axofa's News Updates newsletter.