Tobacco-free culture for children and young people who are looked after

There is both evidence and concern that children and young people who are 'looked after' are much more likely to be affected by tobacco and second-hand smoke (SHS) than their peers.  The health risks of smoking and SHS exposure are well known to have a negative impact on both health and life outcomes and unfortunately this is a persistent health inquality between children who are looked after and other children and young people.  

Residential settings

Smoking or exposure to tobacco should not be seen as either the norm or inevitable for young people living within residential care settings.  Rather it should be discouraged, discussed and addressed.  We have worked with the Care Inspectorate and a residential provider to develop policy guidance for residential providers.  The Care Inspectorate launch this guidance Creating a tobacco-free culture: guidance for providers of residential care for children and young people.

Corporate parenting

In 2017 we published and disseminated a paper to all Scotland's Corporate Parents.  This paper called on them to include planned action on tobacco within their corporate parenting plans as part of their responsibility to promote the wellbeing of care experienced children and young people.

Training 

ASH Scotland in partnership with NHS Grampian have developed a training pack for NHS partners to deliver in partnership with either a local authority social work/children services departments or funded voluntary organisations with a role in residential care of children and young people. 

The course is for residential care staff, kinship carers, foster carers and other professionals who work with children and young people who are care expierenced. For more information contact engagement@ashscotland.org.uk.