Haleigh Poutre

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Haleigh Poutre (born February 24, 1994 in Westfield, Massachusetts) is the subject of a multi-pronged legal controversy. On September 11, 2005, Poutre was hospitalized with severe brain injuries after she was allegedly beaten into a coma by Jason Strickland and Holli Strickland, her stepfather and maternal aunt respectively.^[1]

The Stricklands (who had legally adopted Poutre) were arrested on various criminal charges associated with the beating.

1 Aftermath
2 Supreme Court intervention
3 References
4 External links
5 See also

[edit] Aftermath

The Department of Social Services (DSS) was criticized for failing to recognize that the brain-damaged child had been in danger, apparently accepting claims in earlier situations that Poutre had self-inflicted injuries.^{[citation needed]}

DSS assumed custody for Poutre, and physicians declared that Poutre was in a persistent vegetative state (PVS).^[1] The DSS then moved to terminate life support as provided by medical equipment. The stepfather sued to prevent termination of life support, presumably seeking to avoid murder charges against him.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Supreme Court intervention

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that life-support equipment, including a mechanical respirator, could be withdrawn. However, the day after the decision, health care attendants found that Poutre could breathe on her own and follow simple commands.^[1]

In 2007, age 13, Poutre reportedly remained in rehabilitative care. The child abuse case against Jason Strickland has not been settled.

In February, 2008, 14-year-old Poutre was reportedly making statements about her abuse.^[1]