Clothing, Pocket Money and Allowances

Principles

Pocket money, leisure and clothing allowances provided by the children's home can be used to help children develop money management and finance skills and awareness.

Pocket Money

Pocket money is given to young people every week at a rate set by the Local Authority and the amount given is linked to chronological age. Pocket Money day is a Saturday but can be given on a Friday if the young person requests this and staff agree this is appropriate. Each young person has their own pocket money record which they are expected to sign on receipt of their money. Staff giving the pocket money must also sign the record.

The full amount of pocket money should be given to the young person when they request this. However, there may be occasions when pocket money is reduced to repay costs incurred during the week (restitution for misspending monies or to cover costs of repairs/damage/replacement of property) agreed advances etc. On these occasions a record of any money taken by staff must be kept and the young person must be given a receipt for the amount taken.

Young people are advised to spend their pocket money wisely and can do this without staff being present. However, there may be times when it has been agreed by the care team and written into a young person's Risk Assessment that they must be supervised when spending their pocket money.

Leisure Money

Leisure money is available to young people as and when required for them to pursue interests, take part in agreed activities, to enjoy outings to cinemas, restaurants, ice rinks etc and to socialise with friends. A young person's interests/hobbies will be outlined in their placement plan. Leisure Passes are also available to cover entry fees to leisure centres giving free access to swimming pools, gyms etc.

The amount of money available for leisure activities will be agreed by the Manager of the Home. Bus fares or bus passes will also be provided to enable young people to travel for leisure purposes. The amount available will be agreed by the Manager of the Home.

Clothing Allowance

Each young person is entitled to a yearly allowance for leisure clothing, school uniform, work clothing, personal requisites, hairdressing costs etc. How this is allocated to the young people in the Home is agreed by the Manager and outlined in the young person's placement plan. How this is spent i.e. supervised by staff or unsupervised is also outlined in the young person's plan/risk assessment. A record of any money spent on these things must be kept on the young person's file. Young people and staff giving the money must sign the record.

It is important for staff to help young people manage their budget allowance for clothing etc and to plan so their needs are over the year.