Monmouthshire Foster Carers asked not to smoke
Monmouthshire County Council is the first local authority in Wales to bring in a no smoking policy for foster carers.
The authority has implemented rules meaning that looked after children are less at risk from the health problems associated with passive smoking.
Research has shown that children are particularly at risk from the effects of inhaling smoke. In the UK, 17,000 children under five are admitted to hospital every year with illnesses directly related to passive smoking. Also, children living in households where adults smoke are nearly three times more likely to smoke themselves.
Councillor Brian Hood, Monmouthshire County Council’s Member for Adult and Children Services, explains:
“All foster carers in Monmouthshire will be made aware of the damaging effects that passive smoking has on others; they will also be given a copy of our policy and we will make every effort to help smokers to give up.
“Foster carers will be expected to make sure that they do not smoke in front of looked after children and young people. They will also be expected to make sure that family members and visitors to their home and in the car do not smoke in front of looked-after children and young people.”
Ruth Peggrem, Service Manager, who wrote the policy with the help of three foster carers, said, “Some young people are already smokers when they go to live with foster carers, it is essential that their carers actively discourage them from smoking. We want foster carers to give young people information about the harmful effects of smoking and how they can access help to reduce or give up smoking.”
MCC is ensuring that a Looked After Children’s nurse will be available to support foster carers in giving this important message.
“Ideally, foster carers homes should be smoke-free as smoke lingers in the air and children can be exposed to smoke even if they are not around at the time of smoking. If foster carers must smoke inside their home then this needs to be done in a well ventilated room to lessen the risks to themselves and to ensure that children and young people do not later walk into a room full of smoke.”
Ash Wales Director, Tanya Buchanan stated, "ASH Wales welcomes the policy produced by Monmouthshire County Council in partnership with foster carers. Too many children across Wales are exposed to the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. Reducing the exposure of young people to second hand tobacco smoke both in their homes and in cars is an essential and very positive step towards reducing illnesses and long term adverse health effects. We urge other authorities to follow Monmouthshire Council's lead and to review their own policies on protecting the health of children in their care."
For information, advice or help about giving up smoking, contact:
All Wales Smoking Cessation Service - Free phone 0800 085 2219
- NHS Smoking Helpline - Free phone 0800 169 0169 or look at their website - www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
- Quit - Free phone 0800 002 200, website www.quit.org.uk