Clothing, Pocket Money and Allowances

Arrangements must exist in all children’s homes and foster homes for the payment of pocket money and clothing or other allowances for children.

The arrangements should be set out in the Foster Care Agreement or the Placement Information Record for individual children.

In the absence of such arrangements, the following must be adhered to.

Each child should be given an amount of pocket money, usually weekly.

The giving of pocket money should be recorded and, preferably, signed for by the child.

Children should be encouraged and supported to open and maintain bank accounts and, if possible, their pocket money and other allowances should be paid into these accounts.

If there are concerns about the manner in which children are spending their money or allowances, these concerns should be discussed with the child and the social worker. If there is a serious risk, the arrangements for giving money to the child may have to be restricted, but the child’s social worker should make such a decision.

Deductions from pocket money may be made for fines or sanctions and for reparation of malicious damage or to pay fines determined by a Court.

If the Court imposes such deductions or fines, not more than two thirds of a child’s pocket money may be taken in any week.

See also Sanctions Procedure.

Children should be informed what allowances or financial arrangements exist for the purchase of clothing, personal requisites (such as hair care products), birthdays and religious festivals. 

Over time, depending on their age and level of understanding, they should be given freedom and responsibility to budget for and spend allowances for their clothing and personal requisites, preferably as part of a plan to prepare for their independence.

Even if children are not allowed to purchase clothing and other personal requisites, they should be involved in decision making and exercise choice, through normal shopping arrangements. 

The arrangements for accessing and spending clothing and other allowances should be recorded. 

Deductions from clothing or other allowances should not normally be made as a sanction or to pay for fines imposed by the Court.

If the social worker and Line Manager believe that any special payment is necessary or justified, for example:

• A clothing grant, for example for a new school uniform;
• A special payment to support the child’s hobbies or sports activities;
• A special payment to support the child in developing useful skills, e.g. driving lessons, purchase of tools.

The social worker should make application to the relevant manager under the Scheme of Delegation.