Paulina Quintao – Child Rights Group Representative from Ermera District, Ivonia Martins, believes the Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSS) is failing to control the implementation of the financial assistance program for mothers (Bolsa da Mae-Mother's Subsidy) because some of the children receiving the assistance are the children of public servants.
Martins argued the MSS must control the implementation of the program because it is supposed to benefit vulnerable children rather than the children of mothers who are able to look after their children.
"We call for a clear explanation of the policy for financial support because children of public servants in the districts also receive the subsidy," said Martins during a public discussion between children and government members organized by the National Commission for the Rights of the Child (KNDL) held at MSS in Dili, in late 2014.
She also urged the MSS to update its database because some of the children who receive the subsidy are no longer at school.
In response to the question the Minister of Social Solidarity Isabel Amaral Guterres said all vulnerable children who regularly go to school are entitled to receive the financial assistance.
Minister Guterres added the children of public servants of low income are also entitled to receive the support.
She said also even though the MSS is responsible for the program that everyone is obliged to assist in its control and ensure the money of the state budget is used adequately to respond to children's needs.
"Everyone should contribute towards controlling the program. If anyone knows of children who are not entitled to the money they should inform MSS staff so the support is withdrawn."
Minister Guterres added financial support is available to vulnerable children, that is, orphans and children of parents with low incomes who are still at school.