The AFS aims to ensure that all involved with the agency, whether as employees, providers of a service, foster carers, local authorities, employees or members of the public, are treated equally, fairly and justly. We expect all those involved with the Agency and members of the public to behave in a similar fashion.

The AFS will encourage a healthy respect for diversity whilst working in partnership with foster carers, local authorities and other organisations.

In this regard, the AFS will:

• Combat discrimination whenever it occurs and, in particular, discrimination against the disadvantaged groups within the scope of this policy
• Provide training and guidance to all employees, carers, (and children where appropriate), to ensure that the Agency's commitment to equal opportunities is known, understood and implemented
  
• Review and update all the AFS procedures on an annual basis to ensure equality of opportunity, responsiveness, sensitivity and accessibility
  
• Monitor and evaluate performance through supervision, appraisal, and review of complaints, to ensure that Equal Opportunities practice is being adhered to at all levels of the organisation.