Miss-Delectable
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JS Online: Case delayed for deaf parents
Testimony on whether two deaf parents were treated unfairly by the court system because sign-language interpreters were not present for some hearings was postponed Friday - because not enough interpreters were present.
Naomi Townsend and Psalms Wagner have said communication problems hampered their efforts to meet the court-ordered conditions for the return of their boys, now 2 and 7, from foster care. The Milwaukee County district attorney's office has moved to terminate their parental rights.
"I encourage all of the parties to consider mediation and, hopefully, save the taxpayers a lot of money if this matter can be settled," Children's Court Judge William Pocan said.
In December, the Journal Sentinel reported that the parents could not understand proceedings during four court hearings last year because no sign-language interpreters were present for all or part of the hearings.
On Friday, Pocan listened to the concerns of several of the four courtroom interpreters present for the hearing and determined that two additional interpreters would be needed to help handle witness testimony.
The courtroom was arranged so that two interpreters, who were deaf themselves, stood in the front of the courtroom. They watched two hearing interpreters standing in the back of the courtroom who interpreted the English being spoken into sign language. The deaf interpreters then used sign language to tell the parents what was being said.
Two interpreters have also been assigned to assist the parents in their defense. The proceedings are being videotaped to preserve any testimony in sign language.
Since being provided with interpreters they understand, the parents have successfully worked toward meeting the conditions for the return of their children, said Jodi Sanfelippo, an attorney for the mother.
She said visits have been increased, and that Townsend now has unsupervised visits with the boys in her home. Wagner, who does not live with Townsend, continues to have supervised visits with the children.
The hearing was rescheduled for March 31.
Testimony on whether two deaf parents were treated unfairly by the court system because sign-language interpreters were not present for some hearings was postponed Friday - because not enough interpreters were present.
Naomi Townsend and Psalms Wagner have said communication problems hampered their efforts to meet the court-ordered conditions for the return of their boys, now 2 and 7, from foster care. The Milwaukee County district attorney's office has moved to terminate their parental rights.
"I encourage all of the parties to consider mediation and, hopefully, save the taxpayers a lot of money if this matter can be settled," Children's Court Judge William Pocan said.
In December, the Journal Sentinel reported that the parents could not understand proceedings during four court hearings last year because no sign-language interpreters were present for all or part of the hearings.
On Friday, Pocan listened to the concerns of several of the four courtroom interpreters present for the hearing and determined that two additional interpreters would be needed to help handle witness testimony.
The courtroom was arranged so that two interpreters, who were deaf themselves, stood in the front of the courtroom. They watched two hearing interpreters standing in the back of the courtroom who interpreted the English being spoken into sign language. The deaf interpreters then used sign language to tell the parents what was being said.
Two interpreters have also been assigned to assist the parents in their defense. The proceedings are being videotaped to preserve any testimony in sign language.
Since being provided with interpreters they understand, the parents have successfully worked toward meeting the conditions for the return of their children, said Jodi Sanfelippo, an attorney for the mother.
She said visits have been increased, and that Townsend now has unsupervised visits with the boys in her home. Wagner, who does not live with Townsend, continues to have supervised visits with the children.
The hearing was rescheduled for March 31.
