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Can you foster if you smoke or vape?

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The simple answer is yes - you can still become a foster carer if you or someone you live with smokes or vapes. However, you need to be aware of certain rules and regulations that you must follow when fostering a child. In our guide, we’ll explain the rules associated with becoming a foster carer if you are a smoker.

Will smoking restrict who I can foster?

In short, if you or someone in your household smokes or vapes, it will restrict the age range and other characteristics of the child or children that you could foster. For example, if you do smoke, our team would not match you with children with the following characteristics;

Are there other rules around smoking as a foster carer?

Yes, government legislation about smoking around children also applies to foster carers. For example, it is illegal to smoke in the car if there are children (under 18) present, and if you are caught doing so you could be fined £50.  

Going smoke-free is the safest way to protect your foster child from second-hand smoke. It is also more likely that your foster child will smoke or vape if they see you smoking or vaping. However, if you do smoke or vape, you must not smoke inside. This rule applies to everyone in your household who smokes or vapes and any visitors to your home. Instead, you should smoke or vape outside to minimise the risk to your foster child. 

What is Capstone Foster Care’s Policy on smoking or vaping?

Foster carers who smoke or use electronic smoking devices should not smoke inside their home. We would prefer foster carers to adopt an approach of only smoking or using devices outside of the home and away from the house in an agreed designated area.

We will actively work to support foster carers to give up smoking and progress in giving up smoking will be monitored and recorded through their supervision sessions. We also advise foster
carers not to smoke in front or in presence of foster children.

Where foster carers/applicants have given up smoking, children in the high-risk group will not be matched with them until they have given up smoking successfully for 12 months.

 

What happens if my foster child smokes or vapes?

In the UK, the legal age to consume nicotine products such as cigarettes and vapes is 18 years old. This means that it is illegal for your foster child to buy vapes or cigarettes or for others to buy them for them. 

We understand that it might be concerning for you as a foster parent if you discover your foster child has been vaping or smoking while they are underage. However, we are here to support you with any worries or concerns you might have.

 

If you find out that your foster child is smoking or vaping, we recommend the following process;

  1. We recommend letting your social worker know so that they can offer the appropriate advice and support.
  2. Talk to your foster child about the dangers of smoking or vaping, but make sure to stay calm as your foster child might become defensive about their behaviour if they sense confrontation or judgement.
  3. Often children who start smoking at a younger age do so because of peer pressure. It’s important to discuss the dangers of peer pressure and give them the tools they need to confidently say no when encouraged to smoke or vape by their peers.
  4. Set boundaries and rules around smoking and vaping. While remaining empathetic to the situation, your foster child should understand that their actions will have consequences.

 

Giving up smoking or vaping

It takes willpower to give up smoking or vaping, but ultimately it only has benefits in the long run. There are a number of free services and support available to help you or your foster child quit smoking or vaping for good.

  • NHS Stop Smoking Services: The NHS provides a number of local services that are designed by ex-smokers and experts and delivered by professionals. Find your local service.
  • Action on Smoking and Health: The Action on Smoking and Health has a number of resources such as videos, fact sheets and more that are aimed at helping adults and young people give up smoking and vaping. Find out more.
  • Stoptober: Every October, the government runs an annual campaign promoting better health to help people give up smoking. Find out more.

Thinking of fostering?

If you are thinking about becoming a foster carer and you smoke or vape, or you have recently given up it’s important that you disclose it during your application process. To learn more, request a brochure today and take the first step to becoming a foster carer.  

Thinking of fostering?

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.

We need this to put you in touch with your local fostering advisor.

The information you provide will be used to respond to the enquiry you have submitted, for further information please refer to our privacy policy.

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