Clothing, Pocket Money and Allowances

Contents

1. Principles - Pocket Money
2. Principles - Clothing and Other Allowances

1. Principles - Pocket Money

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

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

Children should be 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 should be discussed with the child and the social worker if the concern is serious. If there is a serious concern, the arrangements for giving money to the child may have to be restricted. Such a decision should be made by a Manager.

Deductions from pocket money may not be made for fines or as a sanction except for reparation of malicious damage or to pay fines determined by a Court.

2. Principles - Clothing and Other Allowances

Financial arrangements for purchase of clothing, personal requisites (such as hair care products), birthdays and religious festivals should be explained to children.

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

Even when 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. Where allowances are given directly to children they should preferably be signed for by the child.

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