The Care Inspectorate has developed this guidance in response to both evidence and concerns that children and young people who are ‘looked after’ are much more likely to smoke and often start smoking much younger than their peers. The health risks of smoking and second-hand smoke exposure are well known. Smoking has a negative impact on health and life outcomes, and unfortunately, there are persistent health inequalities between children and young people who are looked after and other children and young people.

The Care Inspectorate has worked with Action on Smoking and Health Scotland (ASH), the national charity working to reduce the harm caused by tobacco and others to develop this policy guidance. It has been informed by the current tobacco control evidence base and the views of residential providers/care staff and young people themselves.