1.4.4 Pocket Money and Allowances

At Clifford House young people will receive pocket money once a week.  How much they receive will depend on their age.  The giving of pocket money will be recorded and signed by the young person.  Young people will be encouraged and supported to open and maintain savings accounts.  It is Clifford House's policy to try and help young people learn about the importance of managing money and link this learning to later life, since giving pocket money creates the opportunity to teach young people about saving and spending thoughtfully, making choices and saving up for things they want or donating money.

This means that the staff team will let young people make mistakes when they spend their money and may on occasions discourage them from buying things.  If there are concerns about the manner in which they are spending their money, these concerns will be discussed with the young person and if there are serious risks, the arrangements for giving money will be reviewed.

At Clifford House young people will learn about the value of money, spending, earning, saving and borrowing.

Young people will be given guidance on how to manage their money and understand that there will be a need to wait for money once it has been spent and that money is needed to get things from shops.

Pocket money allowances are based on a set amount depending on age.  Pocket money can be used to spend as the young person pleases so they can understand the concept of money.  There may be times when staff will provide something extra or something extra is earned through a good behaviour agreement or successfully completing a task.  Pocket money is normally given on a set day.  Pocket money can be deducted for fines to pay to a court, reparation or damage.  These deductions will never be for more than two-thirds of a young person's pocket money.  Young people are not expected to use their pocket money for buying clothes, outings and activities, holidays or visiting family and friends.

Over the period of time, depending on the young person's understanding and age, they will be given responsibility for their clothing and personal requirements as part of their plan to develop life learning skills.

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