Court system allegedly failed deaf parents

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Milwaukee court system, as well as that of Wisconsin, has been accused of failing to account for communication problems suffered by two deaf parents.

Psalms Wagner and Naomi Townsend have alleged that due to the fact they are both deaf, they were unable to fully comprehend most of the legal proceedings involved in their attempt to win back custody of their children, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Wednesday.

The couple's allegations have led to a review of the state and local court system in relation to such communications breakdowns.

That effort will be highlighted Thursday when Children's Court Judge William Pocan hears arguments from both sides in the matter.

Among the alleged shortcomings of the court system were a lack of interpretation at certain hearings and a failure to assess the parents' reading skills in an appropriate fashion.

Legal officials countered pair's allegations by citing the parent's lack of participation in required parenting services and inconsistent contact with their children, the newspaper said.