Children Located in Northern Italy After Disappearance
In a startling revelation, two Dutch siblings, aged 6 and 9, were recently found living in severe neglect and isolation on a remote farm in Lauriano, a village nestled in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The children, who have never been registered with local authorities and have never attended school, were discovered in April 2025 during a flood clearance operation.
The children, born in Germany and known as the "ghost children" by Italian media, were living without running water or electricity, wearing diapers at their ages, and unable to speak, read, or write. Their existence was unknown to neighbours and officials until their recent discovery.
The father, a 54-year-old Dutch national and sculptor, defended his parenting by claiming he isolated the family to protect them from viruses such as COVID-19 and modern society, influenced by conspiracy theories. He designed the farm to be self-sufficient and cut off from outside contact.
Despite his claims of home-schooling the children and providing them with toys, laptops, musical instruments, and ski equipment, the children showed severe developmental delays. The mother, aged 38, was reported to show little interest in the children and was often absent; she is believed to be homeless.
Local authorities and the juvenile court in Turin have declared the parents unfit and placed the children under protective custody. The case has caused a stir in Italy, with the nearby community of Chivasso expressing shock as no one had known about or visited the property despite the children's prolonged presence.
The father was described as reserved and unable to speak Italian, and the family lived in total isolation on an energy- and water-independent farm. This case highlights serious child neglect driven by extreme isolationist beliefs tied to virus fears and conspiracy theories, resulting in profound harm to the children's development and wellbeing.
An adoption procedure has been initiated by the juvenile public prosecutor, and the children are now in the care of social services and living in a protected facility. The police have not disclosed the exact location of the farm in Italy to protect the children's privacy.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential harm that can come from adhering to extreme beliefs and isolating oneself from society. It is a call for vigilance and action to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
[1] Corriere della Sera [2] ntv.de [3] La Stampa [4] ANSAmed
- The community policy should address measures to ensure the welfare of children in such extreme circumstances, enabling local authorities to intervene promptly in cases of suspected neglect.
- Given the father's influence of conspiracy theories, the employment policy could investigate the need for mandatory mental-health screenings for individuals in positions of high responsibility, particularly those working with children.
- Health-and-wellness programs could be expanded to provide resources and support for families who may be at risk of falling into isolationist practices, focusing on the importance of community involvement and education.
- General news outlets should prioritize stories like this one, as they highlight the importance of family health, mental health, and parenting issues in our society, serving as cautionary tales and catalysts for reform. Crime-and-justice policies should also respond to such cases effectively, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable while victims receive necessary support and care.
