How is Haleigh now?

A glimmer of hope





Haleigh is a fighter that we know for sure! But as of today, no official word is available.

However there is a glimmer of hope. When reporters asked an official at a Westfield rehabilitation hospital about her status, they were told that the very fact that she was transferred to that hospital means she has a "potential for rehabilitation".
Yesterday, admissions coordinator Judy Gaughan said, "A patient referred to Franciscan Hospital for Children would have to have some assessed potential for rehabilitation....If none were present, the patient would not be referred nor would the patient's insurance provider authorize the admission,"
DSS spokes woman Denise Monteiro said that Haleigh is still being assessed but remains "medically stable". She said, "We are going to hear back hopefully later in the week after she has been completely assessed,"

I must make a few corrections to my previous article. I am appalled to learn now that the DSS declared 9 of 10 incidents of reported abuse and neglect as ' unsubstantiated '! The only one they deemed substantiated was the last one that put her in a coma.

Here is a list of the reports to the DSS, courtesy of Michelle Malkin, who is blogging in support of Haleigh.
#1 An Oct. 24, 2002, report by someone concerned about how the girl was disciplined because the person saw bruises on her and noticed she had missed nearly two weeks of school. The following day, DSS determined the report was unsupported.
#2 A Jan. 6, 2003, report of neglect “because mother is unable to keep child safe from harm.” DSS finds the case unsubstantiated.
#3 A Feb. 23, 2004, report of neglect after Haleigh, then 10, went missing for two hours before she was found in a bathroom at Noble Hospital in Westfield. The same day, DSS determines the report is unsupported: “Child did run away from home, but mother acted appropriately.”
#4 A June 11, 2004, report of abuse because Haleigh had bruises, was not in school and did “not look as well cared for as other children in the home.” Three days later, DSS finds the report unsupported after Haleigh says she bruised her face diving into a pool. “Mother responsive to (Haleigh’s) self-abusive behaviors by bringing her to pediatrician and following counselor’s recommendations.”
#5 A June 18, 2004, report of neglect. The same day, DSS finds the report to be unsubstantiated. “Mother addressing issues with child’s therapist, mother agreed to voluntary services, child hospitalized and mother working with therapist to get child placed in residential care.”
#6 A July 15, 2004, report of abuse and neglect by her mother after bruises are found on her arm. DSS decides the case is one of neglect, noting “mother inadequately supervised (Haleigh) in store despite prior history of (Haleigh) stealing in a store.”
#7 An Aug. 18, 2004, report of neglect because “child received burns during a bath.” The same day, DSS finds the report unsubstantiated “because department is currently involved with family and closely monitoring (Haleigh’s) care.”
#8 An April 14, 2005, report “due to concerns about the level of supervision provided for (Haleigh), given the extent of her injuries in light of her history.” The same day, DSS finds the allegations unsupported.
#9 A May 11, 2005, report of neglect. “Mother did not seek medical attention when (Haleigh) complained of a headache and was vomiting. Mother left (Haleigh) alone at softball game and she was hit in the head with a baseball bat.” The same day, DSS finds the report unsubstantiated. “Incident was an accident. Adequate services in place to assist with monitoring.”
#10 Final report, on Sept. 11, 2005, DSS receives report of abuse by an “unknown perpetrator,” based on the child’s “multiple bruises and fractures in different stages of healing.” The following day, DSS substantiates the report, saying Haleigh “sustained serious life-threatening injuries which were the result of trauma.”

I also learned that the murder suicide was the other way around. It was the grandmother who killed Holli ( the adopted mother) and then killed herself.

I said in my article that the Doctor supported claim that the wounds were self inflicted meant that the state was not entirely to blame, but simply misled. I was wrong! After I found more info regarding the handling of this case, I am glad that the Governor decided to investigate the actions of the state pertaining to the information they acted on and how hastily they so acted on said evidence when deciding to petition the court for the removal of her feeding tubes. Thank God for that. Also I am glad to know that the Speaker of the House (Massachusetts) and the State Rep. (both Democrats by the way) have called for an extensive investigation into the actions of DSS and the adopted father! Kudos to them. This was obviously mishandled! I only wish Florida would have stood up for life during Terri's fight.


Debate: For the sake of Ideological Sculpting
A commenter on the previous post, 'Haleigh Poutre', was disgusted with the fact that we were debating, some of us very passionately, and some irrationally, the right to live vs. the right to die issue. I admit, I allowed commenters to sway the discussion far of topic, but I think great points were made and opinions brought to the table for scrutiny by all. I understand that the commenter wanted to read the update on Haleigh. I wish I had a lot more to tell. But what we do know I will gladly tell you. (above) As for the debate, you must realize, this site is not a news site. I may decide to discuss a news item or just rant in a general direction. My aim is to make you think about your beliefs and perhaps persuade you to share them with us. If it is 'the facts and just the facts' you seek, please go to the Drudge Report or the Washington Times. If you like to hear other's opinions and you occasionally want to toss in your two cents, The Squamata Report is here for you.

If you are offended by the opinions here, I am sorry you were offended. None of us, however, have a right not to be offended. If you are hurt and or offended, please express it. If you are upset and mad I understand. You see, I am offended, hurt and mad every day! I am 'offended' every time someone says I am a racist just because I support a cause I believe in. I am 'mad' when the Supreme Court sets it's self as the final arbiter in our lives while taking away our basic rights to free speech, free exercise of religion and even our right to life! I am also 'hurt' when I see fine Christian people, who strive to adhere to some level of morality, sit back and refuse to let their voice be heard. Instead, so many deride participants on both sides of the discussion. Even though it hurts me to see you refuse to join in and voice your opinion. Even though I am so offended, mad and hurt, I realize that it is my responsibility to respond! It is my duty as someone believes in God, country and myself, to speak up and defend those things. I am sorry if the commenter did not feel the same way.

I hope the commenter understands that the quote she beat us over the head with relates to the stoning to death of a woman who was found guilty of adultery, (an act even evil conservatives like myself disapprove of) and it is in no way relatable to people jousting with opinions in the age old arena of ideas. Christ never suggested that we should not engage in civil debate. He was, however, crucified by those who sought to deny him the right to the free expression of his convictions. He often stepped up on his soap box, as have the people who debate on this site. I hope that you are not suggesting that we are contrary to God's will because we are speaking our minds. Others, who had great power, have supported such opinions. I don't think ' that ' is a crowd of people you want to align yourself with.

As for everyone who reads my opinions here, thanks for joining in the debate. I hope it continues. Let's just try to keep it clean and somewhat civil. And in relation to the update on Haleigh, I am praying day and night that Haleigh pulls through this.