There were 264 children in residential care in March, down from 313 in January 2002, the Appogg social work agency said yesterday.

Bryan Magro, the agency's manager of children's services, said the decline could be attributed to an increase in the number of children in foster care and to an even more thorough assessment of cases before children are admitted into care.

Mr Magro said that with the increase in the number of services offered, Appogg was in a better position to offer support to some children within their families - without the need for them to be admitted to care.

Of those children in residential care, 73 per cent are being followed by an Appogg social worker and only 10 per cent do not currently have a social worker assigned. Through a study carried out by the agency, the latter children have been identified and are currently being referred to the relevant service.

There are two specialised units which cater for children in care: the Looked After Children team and the High Support Service. The former offers support to children who are in residential care or being fostered, whereas the latter gives a specialised service to children in care with emotional and behavioral problems.

The High Support service started operating last June with 23 care workers providing specialised care to 17 children. An individualised care programme is devised to make sure these children's particular needs are met.

Over the last year the Looked After Children team's caseload has increased by 55 per cent. To meet the increased demand for this service, Appogg has beefed up the unit through the employment of another seven social workers.

Children in care are also offered support and counselling through the agency's Psychological Services. Due to the significant increase in caseload, another psychologist will be employed this month to cater specifically for children in care.