Mother of Slain Girl, 6, Denied Visit With Son

Mother of Slain Girl, 6, Denied Visit With Son

LEAD: A Family Court judge yesterday denied a request, at least temporarily, by Hedda Nussbaum to visit the 16-month-old boy whom she and her companion have been accused of abusing.

A Family Court judge yesterday denied a request, at least temporarily, by Hedda Nussbaum to visit the 16-month-old boy whom she and her companion have been accused of abusing.

The request by Ms. Nussbaum to visit the boy, Mitchell, was made through her lawyer, David J. Lansner, in a court session attended by her companion, Joel B. Steinberg.

Saying that the child may suffer if he is not allowed to have contact with his mother, Mr. Lansner told Judge Jeffry H. Gallet that Ms. Nussbaum is still legally responsible for the boy and that the child needs her comfort.

''There is no dispute that the child resided with her almost all his life and that she has rights to the child,'' Mr. Lansner said.

The couple have been charged in the death of Elizabeth Steinberg, the 6-year-old girl who lived with them and Mitchell on West 10th Street in Greenwich Village.

The boy is to remain in a foster home, until custody is determined.

Ms. Nussbaum's request was supported by Mr. Steinberg, who said through his lawyer that ''common sense'' dictated that she be allowed to visit Mitchell.

However, Robert F. Wayburn, associate general counsel for the city's Human Resources Administration, said the child's biological parents should be allowed a say on the matter, and the judge agreed.

Mr. Wayburn said lawyers for the city have tried to contact Mitchell's biological parents, but have been unable to do so.

Judge Gallet adjourned the hearing until Wednesday at 2:15 P.M.