After more than a year without her family, West Hartford's Justina Pelletier is set to return home to her parents on Wednesday, June 18, My Fox Boston reports.
Judge Joseph Johnson issued a ruling ordering the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to release the teen to her parents, according to The Boston Globe.
“I find that the parties have shown by credible evidence that circumstances have changed since the adjudication on Dec. 20, 2013, that Justina is a child in need of care and protection pursuant to G.L. c. 199, 24-26.,” Johnston stated in the ruling, per The Boston Globe. “Effective Wednesday, June 18, 2014, this care and protection petition is dismissed and custody of Justina is returned to her parents, Lou and Linda Pelletier.”
The Massachusetts DCF has had custody of the 15-year-old West Hartford resident for more than a year, despite pleas from her family, thousands of supporters, and even Gov. Deval Patrick.
The DCF took custody of her in February of 2013 after her family disagreed with a diagnosis and treatment by doctors at Boston Children's Hospital.
The attached YouTube video, titled "Justina's Plea," was uploaded by Rev. Patrick Mahoney one week ago and features the teen pleading to be allowed home.
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