Senator Scott P. Brown
State House, Room 520
Boston, MA 02133
Ph: (617) 722-1555
Fax: (617) 722-1054
Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.us
Recent Press
BROWN
PUSHES "HAILEIGH'S AMENDMENT”
THROUGH SENATE
BOSTON, MA –
During debate Tuesday on legislation pertaining to the abuse and
neglect of children, which is intended to strengthen the
Commonwealth's oversight of children under the charge of the State,
an amendment written by Senator Scott Brown was passed unanimously.
The amendment protects victims from those who have been charged with
their abuse or neglect.
Brown filed “Haleigh’s Amendment” in response to the tragedy of the
Haleigh Poutre case in Westfield in 2005. Haleigh had been
hospitalized as the result of alleged abuse at the hands of her
adoptive mother and stepfather who had burned and beaten her into a
coma with a baseball bat. While on life support, Haleigh’s
stepfather attempted to obtain guardianship of her even though he
was suspected of the abuse.
This amendment would prohibit an individual from being appointed a
guardian or medical proxy if they have been charged with assault and
battery, or neglect of the incapacitated child. In this case, the
amendment would have removed any ambiguity as soon as the stepfather
was charged.
Currently, the court may appoint a guardian for a person who is
unable to make or communicate informed decisions due to physical
incapacity or illness.
“It was necessary for the Legislature to make every effort to
protect those citizens that have been the victims of abuse and
neglect,” said Senator Brown, “What happened in the Haleigh Poutre
case was a terrible tragedy that never should have happened.”
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