(Apud ASH Daily)
Last Modified: 04 Nov 2008
Source: PA News
A controversial new policy to ban smokers from fostering children has been passed by a London council.
The ban, which was passed unanimously at a cabinet meeting of Redbridge Council, means that children in the east London borough will not be placed with foster carers who smoke after January 2010.
Councillors say the move is crucial in protecting children from the harmful effects of passive smoking, but concerns have been raised that the ban could reduce the number of loving foster homes available to vulnerable children.
Speaking after the meeting, the cabinet member for children, Tory councillor Michael Stark, said: "We know this is a difficult issue because some people will feel it is an intrusion on personal freedoms, but we also know that smoking increases the risk of serious illness in childhood.
"The bottom line is that we must put the welfare of young children in our care first."/.../
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