1. Why money matters to children
Children who have experienced trauma may worry about “being a burden” or feel shame about clothing, birthdays or hobbies. Consistent, transparent use of the accountable allowance helps them feel valued and equal to their peers. Talk openly (age-appropriately) about how their pocket money, savings and clothing budgets work so they know their needs will be met.
2. Weekly fostering payments
| Age band | Total weekly payment | Split (carer / child) | Policy reference |
| 0 – 10 yrs | £462 | £387 carer’s fee + £75 accountable allowance | Fees & Allowance Policy |
| 11 – 17 yrs | £490 | £400 carer’s fee + £90 accountable allowance | “ ” |
- Paid one week in arrears direct to your bank. Most banks credit on Tuesday; some on Wednesday.
- Covers Monday → Sunday. Part-weeks are pro-rata unless the child moves between two Positive Aspirations Group foster homes on the same day—in that case each carer receives half of that day’s allowance.
3. Accountable allowance – child-centred spending
Spend the child’s portion in the categories agreed in their Initial Placement Agreement (IPA) and review savings/pocket-money at each supervision. The indicative weekly spend bands in the Fees & Allowance Policy are your guide, not a straightjacket. Keep simple receipts or notes; your supervising social worker (SSW) will sample these to evidence that the allowance benefits the child.
4. One-off or additional costs
- Emergency clothing / school-uniform grant – your SSW (not you) negotiates any extra funding with the commissioning team. Wait for written confirmation before spending.
- Parent-and-child placements – higher rates apply (£952 weekly if both parent & baby are looked after). See separate policy for full breakdown.
5. Respite arrangements
- When another Positive Aspirations Group carer provides respite, all fee and allowance for that period are paid to the respite carer; the main carer is not paid because a respite element is already built into the weekly fee. Plan ahead and set aside funds.
- If respite is delivered by your approved Enhanced Support network, the main carer pays the Enhanced Support directly; the agency is not involved financially (see Respite Policy for vetting & risk-assessment steps).
6. Insurance & safeguarding the allowance
Ensure your contents insurance is up to date; it is the first line of cover if a child’s belongings are lost or damaged. The agency’s contingency insurance only applies if your own insurer refuses a claim.
7. Trauma-informed money conversations
- Predictability – let the child know pocket-money day and stick to it.
- Voice & choice – involve them in deciding how to spend birthday or activity budgets.
- Dignity – avoid public discussions about their allowance; use private, strengths-based language.
- Growth – as they mature, teach budgeting and savings skills in line with the Preparation for Independence Policy.
8. Who to contact
- Payment queries – finance@positiveaspirations.org
- Allowance guidance – your SSW or Fees & Allowance Policy quick-guide.
- Tax / HMRC – see training links in the Fees & Allowance Policy appendix.
Key reminder: All financial negotiation with the local authority must go through Positive Aspirations Group—never the foster carer—to keep boundaries clear and avoid confusion.
