A question for candidates who participated in the Office of Catholic Social Services Question and Answer Session on Social Issues last week.
There’s been an increase in abandoned mothers and children by parents or partners who are deported or incarcerated by order of the court. What should the government do to help them ?
I’aulualo Talia Faafetai said the government has a responsibility to help take care of mothers and children who are abandoned when husbands and fathers are jailed or deported.
He said if a mother is unemployed there should be training programs offered to help her get a job and become self sufficient.
I’aulualo believes mothers and children should not be deprived if the father is deported or jailed because of the law.
He said he and Tapaau will look at programs that are tailored specifically to help mothers and wives in these kinds of situation, stressing that the government has a responsibility to assist.
Lemanu Peleti Sialega Palepoi Mauga said immigration sponsors have a role to play in situations like this. Sponsors cannot just bring people in the desert and neglect them. They should be responsible for the welfare of the people they sponsor.
At the same time Lemanu said he doesn’t see any reason why a repeat offender of drug laws, or a convicted murderer should be spared deportation.
Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua said mothers would carry the burden of looking after their children and families when their husbands are jailed or deported.
If a mother is unemployed and has a lot of children she would have to leave the children and go look for a job.
“And this is when programs social welfare programs such as those offered by the Dept of Human and Social Services, will help mothers take care of themselves and their children,” said Nua.
He added that mothers should not have to bear the brunt of husbands being absent in the family especially in taking care of children. And he feels strongly this is where the government can step in with appropriate services.
