A new Angus Council anti-smoking policy could exclude “fantastic” foster carers and adoptive parents during a recruitment drought, councillors have heard.
The local authority has approved a policy banning under-12s from being homed in smoking households, even if the occupants go outside to light up.
But a meeting of the children and learning committee heard the ban may have an impact on recruiting new carers, after the local authority launched an appeal for applicants in October.
Councillor Ewan Smith said he would “condemn” smoking around children but a ban may exclude “a section of society”.
“I am a little bit concerned about bringing this policy forward as a broad brush is excluding a whole range of parents who could be fantastic foster parents,” he added.
“We could have smoking foster carers who would never smoke around the children.
“I’m concerned at a time we are desperate for quality foster carers we are ruling out a section of society around this.”
Councillor Ronnie Proctor said: “Like Councillor Smith, I was a bit concerned we are going to curtail recruitment of good foster carers.
“It would be good to think there isn’t a need for carers but there is, and I think we need to be looking at the future.”
Councillor David Fairweather said he was “delighted” to see the policy include e-cigarettes.
“As far as I’m concerned, smoking is smoking,” he said.
“It’s about time all smoking including e-cigarettes, is banned in public places and for those working with children.”
Committee convener Sheena Welsh said the council would give potential carers “every assistance” to stop smoking ahead of making an application.
Angus Council made an urgent appeal for foster carers to come forward and provide homes for the growing number of teenagers coming into care.
More than half the young people placed in foster homes in the Angus area are over the age of 12.
Angus Council currently has a number of teenagers in the 13-18 age group ready to be placed with families, many of them 14 and 15 year old girls.
Visit www.fosteringandadoption.angus.gov.uk to find out more about fostering in Angus.
