Two young siblings were found living in squalor and isolation on a remote hillside farm in Lauriano, northern Italy, shocking authorities with their condition and lack of development. The nine- and six-year-old children were still wearing nappies and could only speak in a rudimentary, self-invented language when police discovered them.
The children were part of a reclusive Dutch family who had no contact with the outside world. Their existence was unknown until local authorities arrived to evacuate the property following a flooding alert. What they found left them stunned.
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According to local media, the children’s 54-year-old father, a sculptor, and 38-year-old mother, never registered their births with any health or educational authorities. Dubbed “ghost children,” the siblings had never attended school, received medical care, or interacted with anyone beyond their immediate family.
“I love my children, I just wanted to protect them,” the father told Corriere Torino, explaining that his isolationist lifestyle was partly fueled by fear of infections like Covid-19.
Despite their condition, the father claimed the children had access to toys, laptops, musical instruments, and even ski equipment. He insisted they attended horse-riding lessons, dined out, and visited museums. However, local media reports countered those claims, describing the children as “filthy” and severely neglected.
Images from the farm revealed a run-down property with broken furniture, rotting trampolines, and rubbish strewn across the garden — a stark contrast to the father’s claims of a healthy, enriching environment.
The Turin Juvenile Court swiftly ordered the children’s removal from the home, ruling that the minors had been “deprived of adequate assistance” by both parents. They have since been placed under state protection and are expected to enter foster care.
During the removal process, officials raised concerns about the mother, who reportedly showed little interest in the welfare of her children. According to NL Times, she is believed to be homeless.
Local mayor Mara Baccolla described the case as “very delicate” and expressed hope that the children will now have a chance at a better future.
“These children can finally find a balance and have access to a life worthy of the name,” she said.
She added that she had met the father once and described him as “very reserved” and unable to speak Italian.
Neighbors and townspeople expressed disbelief that two children had lived for years just outside their community without anyone knowing. While the farmhouse had changed ownership, no one had visited or checked the property in that time.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the parents will face criminal charges, but investigations into the family’s living conditions and possible neglect continue.
