Can I adopt or foster if I smoke?
Most adoption and fostering agencies follow BAAF’s guidance on smoking, based on medical advice
There is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that smoking damages both the health of the smoker and the people around them, through passive smoking. Young children are particularly vulnerable. This includes situations where the smoker smokes cigarettes outside the home.
Adoption and fostering agencies have a duty to consider the effects of smoking on children in their care and will not usually place pre-school children (around five or under) or those with a heart or chest/respiratory complaint such as asthma, with people who smoke.
For more information, see BAAF's practice note on 'Reducing the risks of environmental tobacco smoke for looked after children and their carers'.
You may also want to:
- Approach an agency for discussion
- Take our quiz on who is suitable to adopt or foster.
Last updated: 27 April 10
