Smokers banned from becoming foster parents

SMOKERS will be banned from fostering children under radical measures to be introduced in London.

Redbridge council is thought to be the first in the country to implement the rules, despite a shortage of 2,000 foster carers across the capital.

The move is aimed at limiting children's exposure to the effects of passive and second-hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco.

The new smoking policy, to be voted on next week, will apply to all foster carers except family members who are known as "private foster carers".

From this year all new applicants who smoke will be advised at an early stage of the process that their smoking habits will be taken into consideration along with other health issues. But from 2010 there will be an absolute ban on new foster carers who smoke.

All existing carers will have a discussion about smoking at their annual review and during home visits.

Those wishing to give up will be given support and advice from their supervising social worker and information on the effects of passive smoking.

Rules will be particularly strict for children under five, those with a disability who are unable to play outside or those with respiratory problems.

Michael Stark, cabinet member for children's services, said: "While the council recognises the proven skills and abilities of its carers who smoke, it is essential that the health of our looked-after children is protected.

"Unlike adults, children have little choice about whether or not to be in a smoky environment, so I hope the cabinet will take the decision to limit the harmful effects this drug can have." Latest advice from the NHS says people who breathe second-hand smoke are at risk of the same diseases as smokers including cancer and heart disease because second-hand smoke contains 4,000 toxic chemicals.

Director of tobacco studies at Cancer Research, Professor Robert West, said: "Smoking around children can exacerbate asthma, increase childhood cancers and make them more susceptible to respiratory problems.

"Fostering is a difficult area and, although it sounds harsh, I think this ban is a good thing. On balance you have to go with the health of the child."

However smokers' right group Forest said the proposals were being made by "health fascists".

Spokesman Neil Rafferty said: "There are many millions of smokers who would make brilliant foster parents. It's really troubling. Next they'll be banning obese people for setting a bad example. Where will it end?

Other councils have said that while they support the ethos of a ban, they do not want to discourage carers.