Today a significant motion is being filed in the Juvenile Court requesting that Justina Pelletier return to her home to be with her mom and dad, Linda and Lou Pelletier. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) has indicated that it will not object to the Motion for Relief from Judgment filed today to return Justina home.
The case is drawing national attention, as Boston Children’s Hospital filed a “medical child abuse” complaint against Justina’s parents last year, leading the state to take custody of her and hospitalize her for almost a year.
The motion comes a week after Pelletier, the teen at the center of a legal battle between the Pelletier family and Boston Children’s Hospital over custody and proper medical treatment, received a surprise 16th birthday party from her friends over the weekend.
“Today is a significant event for Justina and the Pelletier family,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, who is representing the Pelletier family. “We believe and hope that the Pelleteir family will soon be reunited,” said Staver.
The Pelletiers have been visiting frequently with Justina in Connecticut since she was moved there two weeks ago. Justina has been receiving treatment from Tufts Medical Center, the same place she received treatment before this long ordeal began in February 2013. The Pelletier family and their legal counsel have communicated frequently with high-level officials of Massachusetts Health and Human Services (HHS) and DCF. Their attorneys have been in regular communication reviewing the progress of the Reunification Plan.
“In light of the significant developments over the past several weeks, today a critically important motion will be filed with the Juvenile Court requesting Relief from Judgment to return Justina to her family and her home. DCF has stated it will not oppose this motion. We are pleased that Justina is close to returning home. We believe and pray that day will be soon,” said Staver.
Today, the Pelletiers had a private meeting with Justina’s healthcare team from Tufts Medical Center to receive information about her treatment plan. The Pelletiers are pleased to have Justina be treated by the medical experts at Tufts.
“After nearly 16 months of separation, Justina requires much healing – physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Staver. “The completion of the Plan is a very positive development and brings us almost full circle to where this process started, before DCF took custody of Justina: Tufts Medical Center is finally providing Justina’s healthcare once more,” said Staver.
The tragic case has been dragging on for well over a year as pro-life groups have complained about how she has been denied education, religious services or clergy visit, and has had abysmal medical care while in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).
The situation has improved somewhat enough following her transfer to Connecticut that her friends were able to spend time with her — for the first time in over a year.
