IOL: Beaten girl shows more signs of life

From Ireland On-Line, under the headline Beaten girl shows more signs of life:

A brain-damaged 11-year-old girl who was nearly removed from life support after allegedly being viciously beaten by her adoptive mother and stepfather has been moved to a rehabilitation centre.

Haleigh Poutre had been in hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, since September with severe brain injuries that authorities say were inflicted by her stepfather and adoptive mother.

Less than two weeks ago, Massachusetts’ Department of Social Services won approval from the state’s highest court to remove Haleigh from life support, saying she would never recover from her vegetative state. But a day later, she started showing signs of improvement, and she was weaned off her ventilator.

Now, agency officials said, Haleigh can move her eyes towards where she hears a sound.“There’s so much absolute hope now,” department spokeswoman Denise Monteiro said....