Foster parents who smoke could face new restrictions

The council is revising its smoking policy and has ordered an investigation into how the changes will affect potential foster and adoptive parents. It is not clear what regulations will be brought in, or if an outright ban on smokers is on the cards.

But councillors at Barnsley Council’s Cabinet will on Wednesday discuss concerns from the Fostering Network which warns authorities of the threat of legal action if youngsters are placed in environments which damage their health.

Coun Linda Burgess said from now on social services would make sure applicants who smoke would be scrutinised carefully.

She added: “The council will, of course, give careful consideration to all the relevant issues, which also include the need to recruit more fosters carers, and providing regular healthcare education for foster carers. Although this policy development is not in response to any recent specific government guidance, it is a response to the wider message from the government about health promotion and the dangers of smoking.”