A 17-year-old Connecticut girl who was forced to undergo chemotherapy by the state testified at a closed-door hearing on Monday. She and her mother are seeking her release from state custody.
Lawyers say the teen identified only as Cassandra C. testified by teleconference in Juvenile Court. The judge is expected to issue a written decision at some point. In a statement, DCF said its sole focus has been on Cassandra's recovery and following the treatment plan that the doctors have determined will save her life.
The teen had initially refused chemotherapy to treat Hodgkins Lymphoma. The state received temporary custody of her in December and she was forced to undergo the treatment. Earlier this month, her attorney, Assistant Public Defender, Joshua Michtom said Cassandra was in remission.
Michtom has said she 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.
While they wait for the judge's ruling, Cassandra remains at Connecticut Children's Medical Center and continues to undergo treatments. She turns 18 in September and at that point, would be able to make her own medical decisions.
