A judge has ruled a 17-year-old Connecticut girl who was forced to undergo chemotherapy by the state must remain in the temporary custody of the Department of Children and Families until her treatments are finished.
Cassandra C and her mother's attorneys argued at a hearing two weeks ago that she be released from state custody while she continues chemotherapy. Last month, doctors said the girl's Hodgkins' Lymphoma was in remission, but she still had a few treatments left.
In the judge's decision Wednesday, he denied their motion to let Cassandra go home and denied her mother visitation without explanation.
Assistant Public Defender, Joshua Michtom said, “We are disappointed in this ruling, not least of all because it draws a factual conclusion that is directly contradicted by the weight of the evidence. We’re conferring with our clients now about next steps, including whether to take another appeal.”
The teen had initially refused chemotherapy to treat the highly curable cancer. The state received temporary custody of her in December and she was forced to undergo the treatment. She's been held at a local hospital since.
In a statement Wednesday, DCF Commissioner Joette Katz said, "The department is looking forward to the day later this month when Cassandra can happily return home after her treatment is completed and the doctors are confident that she has beaten the cancer."
Katz went on to say, "DCF wants her to complete her treatment so she can return home knowing she has put this completely behind her."
In March, Michtom, said the teen should be able to go home now and live with her mother again, because she's not in imminent risk of harm compared when she had refused treatment.
Cassandra C turns 18 in September, and at that point, would be able to make her own medical decisions.
