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Haleigh Poutre...

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During debate last week on legislation pertaining to the abuse and neglect of children, which is intended to strengthen the Commonwealth's oversight of children under the charge of the State, an amendment written by Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, was passed unanimously. The amendment protects victims from those who have been charged with their abuse or neglect.

Brown filed “Haleigh’s Amendment” in response to the tragedy of the Haleigh Poutre case in Westfield in 2005. Haleigh had been hospitalized as the result of alleged abuse at the hands of her adoptive mother and stepfather who had burned and beaten her into a coma with a baseball bat. While on life support, Haleigh’s stepfather attempted to obtain guardianship of her even though he was suspected of the abuse.

This amendment would prohibit an individual from being appointed a guardian or medical proxy if they have been charged with assault and battery, or neglect of the incapacitated child. In this case, the amendment would have removed any ambiguity as soon as the stepfather was charged.

Currently, the court may appoint a guardian for a person who is unable to make or communicate informed decisions due to physical incapacity or illness.

‘Haleigh’s Amendment’

8mm

56 posted on 03/11/2008 4:31:48 AM PDT by 8mmMauser (Jezu ufam tobie...Jesus I trust in Thee)
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To: All
Reminder...


57 posted on 03/11/2008 4:32:56 AM PDT by 8mmMauser (Jezu ufam tobie...Jesus I trust in Thee)
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To: 8mmMauser
A much needed amendment and would reduce horrific abuse. Before I became aware of Terri's case, I would have taken for granted that Haleigh's stepfather or the sadistic Michael Schiavo would never have been granted guardianship - that is demented.
62 posted on 03/11/2008 9:04:22 AM PDT by Dante3
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