But Italy’s ruthless ‘Ndrangheta mafia may have met its match. “The idea is to make them understand jail is not an obligatory step or a medal to be worn with pride,” Di Bella said. Mothers have approached the court in secret to request their children be sent away or ask to be sent away themselves. “We’re undermining cultural models that seemed inviolable, and outlining psychological scenarios that are utterly uncharted,” Di Bella said. Psychologist Enrico Interdonato, 33, has supported three of the teenagers during their placings and said the government’s support was vital in ensuring more therapists are trained in the specialist area of mafia children.

Source: Manila Times July 07, 2017 11:26 UTC