A brain-damaged 11-year-old girl who was nearly removed from life support after allegedly being viciously beaten by her adoptive mother and stepfather has been moved to a rehabilitation centre.

Haleigh Poutre had been in hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, since September with severe brain injuries that authorities say were inflicted by her stepfather and adoptive mother.

Less than two weeks ago, Massachusetts’ Department of Social Services won approval from the state’s highest court to remove Haleigh from life support, saying she would never recover from her vegetative state. But a day later, she started showing signs of improvement, and she was weaned off her ventilator.

Now, agency officials said, Haleigh can move her eyes towards where she hears a sound.

“There’s so much absolute hope now,” department spokeswoman Denise Monteiro said.

Haleigh’s stepfather, Jason Strickland, has been charged with assault and could face a murder charge if she dies.

Her adoptive mother, Holli Strickland, who was also Haleigh’s aunt, was also charged with assault, but died alongside her grandmother in an apparent murder-suicide about two weeks after Haleigh was taken to hospital.

A lawyer for Haleigh’s birth mother, Allison Avrett, would not comment on Haleigh’s condition and would not say if Avrett was considering trying to regain custody of her daughter.

“The most important issue is Haleigh’s well-being,” Wendy Murphy said. “That’s the focus for now. She’s very sick, and that’s what Allison cares about the most.”