Texas has become the third state to implement rules governing smoking in foster homes. Beginning in 2007, smoking will be prohibited in foster homes and in automobiles in which foster children are riding. Similar rules were already in force for day care centers in Texas. Researchers have documented the dangers to children of exposure to second-hand smoke.
A great number of children in the Texas foster care system are at risk medically. For instance, our family has adopted five boys and three of them have serious asthma conditions. Additionally, one of them also has a very serious heart condition. Exposure to second-hand smoke would be very dangerous for them.
While it is good that this rule has been passed, there is some question as to how easily it will be enforced. Most case workers have many more children needing care than available homes for them to live in. The true test of the effectiveness of this rule will come when an occasion arises in which the rule must be enforced.
Many foster care providers who smoke will have to make lifestyle adjustments to comply with the new rule. It is hoped that smokers will at least limit their smoking to outside of the house and away from the children.
Another ruling has recently been passed in regard to foster child safety. The state will also require the construction of fencing around pools and ponds on foster home property. In recent years, the number of child deaths due to accidental drowning has become a national problem. For instance, there have been 26 drowning deaths of children so far this year in the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area. Most of these deaths were by drowning in pools or ponds.
This rule will save lives. Most people think that these incidents are rare. Two years ago, close friends of ours lost a two year old child when he wandered from their home and fell in a neighbor’s small pond. For this reason, this new rule is important to me.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services should be congratulated for implementing these rules. It is hoped that many other states will follow their lead in the near future.
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