Feb 25, 2006 10:11 pm US/Eastern
Haleigh Poutre Turns 12, But Mother Not Invited
BOSTON (AP) ―
The severely beaten girl the state wanted to remove from life-support turned 12 yesterday, and her mother says she wasn't invited to the party.
Haleigh Poutre's birthday was celebrated at Franciscan Children's Hospital in Boston. Poutre has been receiving physical, speech and occupational therapy there since last month.
Poutre's mother, Allison Avrett of Westfield, wanted to attend the party, according to her lawyer, Wendy Murphy.
Murphy said she tried to contact the Department of Social Services for permission to attend birthday celebration. But she says the calls weren't returned.
Murphy says the snub left Avrett depressed and outraged.
Avrett is allowed to visit her daughter for 15 minutes every other Tuesday.
A DSS spokeswoman disputed Murphy's statement. She said a lawyer for DSS returned Murphy's call on Wednesday.
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