The dreamlike existence of a family of five residing deep within an Italian forest—surrounded by horses, donkeys, and chickens—has come to an abrupt halt after a court mandated that the children be taken into foster care.

Authorities dispatched patrol cars to relocate the children from their home in Abruzzo to a facility managed by a church.

While the mother remains at this facility, both parents face restricted visitation with their children, as stated by the family’s legal representative.

Birmingham, who operates a life coaching and energy reading business, showcases her lifestyle on her website, adorned with images of animals and her children. However, the court deemed that these photos infringed on the children’s privacy and were shared to depict a semblance of normalcy following an investigation by social services.

This court ruling has drawn criticism from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her deputy, Matteo Salvini.

Meloni expressed her concerns over the decision, describing the children’s removal as “alarming,” and has reached out to Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio to discuss the matter further, according to her spokesperson.

Salvini, who plans to visit the family home next week, told reporters at the Venice Bienniele on Friday that it was “shameful that the State is concerned with private education and the personal life choices of two parents who found Italy a hospitable country, yet it steals their children.”

The family purchased the home in 2021, at which time Birmingham wrote on her website, “Recently we found our dream forever home. … With the energy of the place being very special, we bring people to stay for healing and awakening, connecting to the wild, without and within, eating home grown and home cooked organic vegan food.”

Giuseppe Masciulli, the mayor of nearby Palmoli, also condemned the removal of the children.

“I’m a father myself, so I was deeply shocked by the situation,” he told CNN, adding that he believed the situation could be resolved if the family promises to meet certain requirements, including reinstalling running water and meeting with the local school on a weekly basis to assess the children’s academic progress.