Can I foster a child if I smoke?

The health needs of any fostered child need to come first. We do accept Foster Parents that smoke. Although you would not be able to foster children under the age of  five years old or those with certain disabilities.

The key aspects of our smoking policy are: 

• It is essential that our foster homes are smoke free and that no-one smokes in the home
• Foster Parents are in a position of trust and a position as a positive role modelling and should therefore lead by example
• Smoking in a car where a child is present is illegal and forbidden within our policy

We would encourage you to stop smoking for your own health and to minimise the effect of passive smoking on a young person, as well as presenting a positive role model for any child you look after.