Girl,9 With Frost-Bitten Feet Sent to Rehabilitation Clinic

A 9-year-old girl whose frostbitten feet and ankles were amputated after she was found abandoned and locked in a cold, filthy apartment was transferred Friday from a hospital to a clinic to begin rehabilitation.

A judge in neighboring Indiana said Friday that he will rule this week on a request to release the girl’s mother, charged with child neglect, without requiring cash bond.

Darlwin Carlisle left Wyler Children’s Hospital with three bags of toys sent by well-wishers, said Wyler spokeswoman Gretchen Flock.

“She seemed very happy this morning. There were several people, either employees or visitors in the hospital, who waved to her,” Flock said. “One woman said, ‘God bless you, Darlwin.’ She gave a big smile and said ‘thank you.’ ”

Darlwin was moved to a nearby children’s amputee clinic at La Rabida Children’s Hospital, where she will learn to walk with protheses.

The girl was found abandoned in an apartment in Gary, Ind., on Jan. 17, and her legs were amputated below the knee four days later. Her mother, Darlwin Britt, has been charged with three felony counts of child neglect.

Britt, 24, of Gary, remains in jail in Lake County, Ind., in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Her public defender, Daniel Toomey, asked a judge Friday to free her without her having to post a cash bond. Lake Criminal Court Judge Richard Maroc said he will consider the request and rule next Friday.

Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Karen Coulis said the state will vigorously oppose any reduction in bond.

Britt could receive a maximum 60-year prison sentence if convicted.