1.5.2 Young Person Allowances

Contents

1. Young Person's Allowances
2. Pocket Money Allowances
3. Recreational Allowances
4. Toiletries Allowance
5. Clothing Allowances
6. Telephone Money
7. Christmas and Birthdays
8. Savings
9. Additional Allowances

1. Young Person’s Allowances

Young people are able to exercise choice in the clothes and personal requisites that they buy.  Cultural, racial, ethnic and religious expectations regarding choice of clothes or personal requisites are supported and positively encouraged.

Young people’s purchases will be for their own exclusive use.  Young persons will have their own supply of toiletries, cosmetics and sanitary protection.

Young people’s money, with the exception of pocket money, are held in safe-keeping, although they are encouraged to manage their own finances and receive advice with budgeting.  Young persons are given as much freedom as possible in making decisions about spending their own pocket money or earnings.

2. Pocket Money Allowances

Every young person on placement within The Continuum Group is entitled to weekly pocket money.  The amount they will receive is dependent upon their age and is stated in the welcome pack.

Holding of pocket money must be risk assessed with a record on the young persons file.

Pocket money is usually paid weekly on an agreed day (or days, if the money is split into parts as part of care programme).

If the risk assessment does not support a young person holding their own money, all pocket money must be paid into the savings account held at the unit.  The pocket money sheet must be updated to reflect monies given / spent on a daily basis.

Use of Pocket Money as a Sanction (Also see Sanctions Procedure)

• Delaying of pocket money:  This sanction could be used where a task such as ‘tidying of own room’ had not been completed.  This is based on delaying, not withholding, and the money should be reinstated within a reasonable amount of time.
• Pocket money could be withheld to compensate.  This has to be time limited and a reasonable agreed amount withheld.  It is not always acceptable to expect young people to repay the full cost of damage or repair.
• The Continuum Group does not permit for more than two thirds of a child’s pocket money to be stopped for any reason.

3. Recreational Allowances

The Manager of each home must ensure that adequate funds are available from the weekly budget to enable children (with or without staff) dependant upon individual programme to enjoy recreational activities and pursue hobbies and sporting activities. 

The child(ren) must be allowed different types of activity (being realistic) and the final decision is at the Manager’s discretion.

4. Toiletries Allowance

This is to be provided when the weekly shop is done.  It is important that each child choose their own toiletries – within reason and subject to risk assessments on certain items (razor + scissors)

• Children from ethnic minorities also often need different toiletries and cosmetics. In the case of toiletries, these will be provided. In the case of cosmetics, where used, the company will assist in ensuring their availability.
• It is the Company’s policy that young women should have their own supply of sanitary protection. However, the home should maintain a supply of sanitary towels and tampons for female residents who for any variety of reasons may require them and not have a supply of their own at that time.
• Staff should provide, where appropriate, advice to young people on the use of toiletries, cosmetics and sanitary protection.

5. Clothing Allowances

Clothing allowance is to be recorded on the Clothing Allowance forms in the young person’s case file showing money paid into the account each week, money spent and the outstanding balance.

• The Company requires that a young person being admitted to the home has at least a basic minimum of clothing.  If there is a deficit in clothing on admission, this must be made up immediately and may be charged to the placing authority.
• If the young person is deemed not ready to be able to handle their clothing allowance, then a member of staff should accompany them to shop for clothing.
• In the case that the young person does not wish to, or is unable to, purchase their own clothes, then staff must buy suitable and appropriate clothing for them.
• Cultural, racial, ethnic or religious expectations regarding clothes are to be supported and positively promoted.

6. Telephone Money

To be negotiated with each Manager – to be given on a stipulated day (see welcome pack).

7. Christmas and Birthdays

Each young person shall be given on their birthday and at Christmas (or other religious holiday, if appropriate) presents at the value agreed within the home.  Sensitivity and consideration should be given to the child’s personal circumstances and extra amounts may be made available at the discretion of the Manager.

8. Savings

At the discretion of each individual home manager each week, £3 may be made available from the budget and transferred straight away into a savings account for a young person.  This is not pocket money and is an additional savings scheme.  Discussion must take place when purchases are being considered as the aim is to save money / develop saving skills.

9. Additional Allowances

Any requests for additional allowances for any items not covered to be made via the House Manager.

End