Council tells carers to stub out

The council said the policy will result in better protection for young people.

A ban on smoking is to be introduced for foster carers and adopters in South Lanarkshire.

People wishing to foster or adopt in future will be asked to sign up to a new no smoking policy.

Existing foster carers will be asked to quit and given support and information to do so.

There are 17 households in the area which foster where there is a smoker, with eight caring for children under five-years-old.

Council leader Eddie McAvoy said: "The council is committed to promoting the health and welfare of children and young people."

He added: "The policy will result in better protection for vulnerable children and young people."

Last year the British Agencies of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) issued a recommendation that no child under-five should be placed in a smoking household.

This also applies to children of any age who have respiratory problems and children with mobility issues.

It recommended that carers who do smoke should ensure there is a smoke-free environment and they should not smoke in front of children who are placed with them.

The council said it would give carers who might find giving up difficult, information and support.

Dundee council already operates a similar policy.

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