(AP) - A judge is considering whether to dismiss a
lawsuit filed by the biological mother of a girl who was allegedly
beaten into a coma by her adoptive mother and stepfather.

Allison Avrett, of Agawam, is suing the state Department of
Social Services for damages for what she calls the wrongful
adoption of Haleigh Poutre by Avrett's sister, Holli Strickland.

Strickland and her husband were charged in the 2005 beating that
left the girl with brain damage.

During a hearing Wednesday in Suffolk Superior Court, lawyers
for the state asked Judge Linda Giles to dismiss the lawsuit. They
say Avrett voluntarily consented to allowing her sister to adopt
Haleigh at age 7. The judge did not immediately rule on the
request.

Haleigh is being treated at a rehabilitation hospital.