Transgender Teen Found After Escaping from Custody

A transgender girl whose imprisonment without criminal charges raised an outcry among her advocates has escaped from custody in Connecticut

The transgender teen known as "Jame Doe" has been found after escaping from custody during her first day at a therapeutic program in Hartford, Connecticut, according to police.

A source familiar with the investigation said Jane Doe escaped around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday while attending her first day in the program at the institute of Living in Hartford.

Local police and the Department of Children and Families searched the area throughout the day and found her on Park Street in Hartford shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday, according police.

"Our patrol officers on routine patrol were notified across the city and we were able to locate Jane Doe this afternoon in good health," said Hartford police spokesman Deputy Chief Brian Foley. "She was transported to our detective division, where she will be interviewed and turned over to the proper state agency."

DCF released a statement Thursday afternoon thanking Hartford police for their help and saying they are "relieved that she was not injured."

Jane Doe was previously detained without criminal charges for two months at an adult women's prison in the state. After an ouctry and protests from her supporters, all parties involved in her case, including her attorneys and guardian ad litem, approved her enrollment in a therapy program.

"This was part of the ongoing treatment that all involved agree that Jane Doe needs to overcome past trauma and the latest example of the agency's commitment to providing the necessary care for her," according to a statement from DCF.

In April, a Connecticut judge ordered her detainment without charges at York Correctional Institution in Niantic at the request of DCF officials who said she was too violent for them to handle.

She has been moved several times amid allegations she assaulted others. Most recently she was held at a facility for delinquent boys.

Jane Doe is a sexual abuse victim and has several mental health needs, her lawyer said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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