Should smokers be prevented from fostering children?

[sp1814]

Another case of the nanny state, or a sensible step to protect kids from passive smoking?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/77212 20.stm

[LoftyLottie]

Yes, that does seem the best way. That way, you wouldn't be denying a needy child a home and you wouldn't be denying a smoker a chance of fostering.

I presume that would be fosterers have to be assessed using a points system of sorts anyway.

[Hammer-Head]

And so should gay people.

[zzxxee]

nope i dont think they should but maybe as it kind of their place of work be made to smoke outside

[anotheoldgit]

Judging by the risks some children are exposed to, why stop at smokers?

Why not stop children being fostered out to couples that are not married for example?

One constantly hear of children being abused by their mother's "Partner/Boyfriend" as in this case.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-108478 5/17-month-old-toddler-died-used-punchbag-risk -register-Climbie-council.html

[LoftyLottie]

Actually AOG, a lot of children are abused by their own parents, whether they are married or not. Parents or foster parents being married is no assurance that abuse will not take place.

A single person or an unmarried couple can offer children a wonderful and secure home in a safe and loving environment.

[smudge]

on a lighter note.........back again after a wonderful couple of hours driving around the Hertfordshire countryside with my granddaughter - no fag smoke, but a beautiful sunset & fresh air coming through the sunroof!

Anyway - I'm sure there will always be smokers out there who just can't understand what the problem is with them, or any other smoker/s wanting to foster children - but that they would hopefully try to give up if it does appear to jeopardise their chances.....

[smudge]

P.S. I really can't see what difference it would make whether foster parents are married or not AOG.

If a couple are in a long, secure, loving relationship, surely that is a good enough basis for rearing, or nurturing children - married or not.

[sp1814]

Hammer-Head

There doesn't seem to be that many people jumping up to support your position there...

[Tups]

The latter, I would say. Smoking in front of children is a form of physical abuse.

[mentality]

I don,t think they should be banned atall, and further agree with the comments by jen. There are far far worse things they could be or be doing than being a smoker. What about their credentials as potential parents, the emotional and financial factors they could provide for a child? Why should this be deflected because they smoke. This time I agree with doc spock, it is a sick topsy turvy world

[Hammer-Head]

I don't care whether anyone else supports me or not. It's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

Didn't hit a nerve did it?

[lmao]

Tups, your post must go down as the most pathetic statement of the year.

[Hammer-Head]

Who's Tups?

[Hammer-Head]

Sorry. Just noticed his post.

[Meg888]

I'd rather a child be in the safe hands of a sensible smoking foster parent than the scum like those of Baby P's so called family.

It's hard enough these days to get foster carers on board because of the intense assessment they have to face, without eliminating more people because of a fag.

[terambulan]

I know quite a few teens/young adults from care homes who smoke. Their habit appears to propel them into employment whereas the non-smokers are less driven to work?

Just an observation.

[ludwig]

As with alot of these things, it seems to be more about punishing people whose lifestyles we don't approve of, rather than a genuine concern for the children.
Someone has said it already, but the fat people will be next - don't want to expose children to unhealthy diets do we?
On balance I agree with you SP - Smoking shouldn't rule you out, but in a choice between two otherwise suitable candidates, it should count against you.

[B00]

I was just going to make a post similar to Meg's up there^^. Just because someone smokes, it doesn't mean they won't make loving parents.

I'd personally rather a child was placed with people who had a ciggy lodged between each finger of both hands than keep a child with evil parents like the case of Baby P's.

[smudge]

I can understand that BOO. (Even though I can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke)!

As I mentioned earlier, I know of some non-smoking men, who are not very nice people at all. Very nice & charming on the outside, but 'think' they're very clever at masking their sinister ways. Of cousre there are lots of women like that too, God forbid.

My Dad smoked from the age of 14 until he died aged 85 & I know who I'd prefer to look after my children any day!