Money

While “in care” you are entitled to receive pocket money each week.  There is a set amount that is agreed.  Your pocket money cannot be stopped or delayed as a punishment.  However, if you break or destroy things you may be expected to pay some of your pocket money towards replacing or repairing them.  It is also possible that your pocket money may not be given to you directly if there are concerns that you may spend it in a way that could hurt you.

Money is also paid to your carer for clothes and toiletries, and for birthday and Christmas presents for you.  You can also get some money to help pay for hobbies or activities.  Children, Schools and Families may also be able to give you or your birth family some money to pay for travelling to see each other or even for you to do things together.  You should talk to your carers or social workers about things that you want money for.

For many things there are fixed amounts of money available and it may not be possible for you to have money for everything that you want!