WINDSOR LOCKS–Cassandra C. is still undergoing chemotherapy, against her will, after the Connecticut Department of Children and Families took custody of the 17-year-old.
Now, Cassandra has learned that she may not be going home any time soon. While her current round of chemo is nearly done and she will be able to leave the hospital, she posted on Facebook on Tuesday saying that she won’t be allowed to return home to see her mother and cat.
Instead, according to both Cassandra and DCF, she will likely be moved to a specialized group home to ensure that her treatment continues. Cassandra wrote that if she is permitted to live outside of the hospital that there will be several restriction put on her, including possible house arrest; DCF has not confirmed those claims.
Here’s Cassandra’s Facebook post regarding her situation:
DCF also responded to a request for comment from Fox CT. Here is the department’s response:
We are exploring options for Cassandra to live in a specialized group home where her medical needs will continue to be addressed and where we know she will receive the treatment she needs to recover and save her life. Cassandra is able to leave the hospital because her next chemotherapy treatment will not occur for several weeks. However, there are other medical treatments that are required for Cassandra to continue her progress toward recovery. The group home we are considering has the medical staff available to provide those treatments.
At this point and due to the fact that mother has missed critical medical appointments for Cassandra and has not facilitated necessary medical treatment, returning Cassandra home is not an option that will ensure she receives the treatment she needs to save her life.
Most important, we are pleased with the progress Cassandra is making, and we are optimistic she will have a long and healthy future.
Cassandra’s mother, Jackie Fortin, also responded to Fox CT’s request for comment:
We will fight that. There is nothing wrong with our home. Again, DCF is making up excuses. They are treating her like a criminal. I’m her mother. Again, for over 17 years!!!! The best place for her is at home with her mother!!!!!
In regards to dcf comment to put my daughter in a group home,.I am outraged! This again is dcf lying about facts that are not true, and will be proven in court. We NEVER missed appts,….ask my daughter. Oh wait, you cant. Dcf wont allow my daughter to speak cause the truth will come out! Thats what all this is about: keeping my daughter hostage, so no one can reach her, so the truth not be heard by my daughter! They have used numerous excuses along the way.. Again, is this in best interest of my daughter??? No!!!! She has cancer, she is doing chemo, she needs to be home with me as her mother going thru this horrible nite mare!!!! Shame on DCF!!!!!! The truth will come out, and there will be legal ramifications against all!!!! I promise!
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