Baby returns to 'fat' family's home

An overweight couple have had their new-born baby returned from care

An overweight couple who had all seven of their children taken into care have had their new-born baby returned.

The so-called "fat family" from Dundee were reportedly split up amid concerns over the siblings' welfare.

But the father confirmed their baby daughter had been allowed to return home.

Dundee City Council intervened earlier this year after questions were raised over the care provided by the couple. The father, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, said: "We got the baby back on Monday and she's doing fine. We're working with our lawyer to do all we can to get our other children back."

The children, who also include a 13-year-old boy, also have weight problems. They were removed by social workers following a meeting of the children's panel. The 40-year-old mother reportedly weighs 23 stone and her 53-year-old husband weighs about 18 stone. The mother gave birth to her youngest last month. Two children, aged three and four, were taken into care earlier this year.

The local authority said any decision to remove children from their family would not be made solely on the basis of their weight.

A Dundee City Council spokesman refused to comment specifically about the family's case.

He said: "Local authorities who are involved in the welfare of children have a legal duty to ensure they are protected from publicity that may have a serious effect on them and the council takes seriously this responsibility. We will not comment in detail on any family with whom we are involved but we have made it clear on numerous occasions that children would not be removed from a family environment just because of a weight issue.

"Any decision about a child's situation is given full and careful consideration. It is never taken lightly and always at the forefront is what is the best course of action for the welfare and safety of the child or children."

The council said decisions were made by the Children's Panel based on evidence provided by the local authority and health agencies.