Won't lose twins Daily mail 17/09/2007

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-482136/Smiling-Kate-McCann-told-social-services-WONT-lose-twins.html

Smiling Kate McCann told by social services she WON'T lose her twins
By DAN NEWLING
Last updated at 14:44 17 September 2007

For over four months, her facial expression has been one of constant grief and pain.
But Kate McCann has allowed herself an all too rare - but heartbreakingly slight - smile.
Mrs McCann experienced the brief moment of emotional relief whilst talking to friends outside church in her home village of Rothley, Leicestershire.
Despite the almost unbearable pressure they are under, the McCanns are determined to live their lives as normally as possible and yesterday they attended Mass for the first time since they came back to England.
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Kate McCann smiles
The couple held hands tightly as they walked the 200 yards from their front door to the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart.
There was not enough room in the tiny brick-built church for 70-strong congregation, which spilled out of the door as its members said prayers for Madeleine's safe return.
After an hour-long service, the McCanns, who are both doctors aged 39, spent a few minutes chatting to friends outside the church before hurrying home with their two-year-old twins Amelie and Sean.
Afterwards Mr McCann said: "It was very comforting to be among friends and family praying for Madeleine today. We thank them for their continuing support."
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McCann's
The scenes of support came as the McCanns received one of their first pieces of good news since they were made official suspects nine days ago: they will not lose custody of the twins.
The couple had been terrified that British social workers - prompted by Portuguese allegations that the couple harmed four-year-old Madeleine - would take away their remaining children.
Madeleine McCann
Indeed, two social workers spent an hour with the McCanns on Thursday last week - during which time they asked the couple about their childcare techniques.
However, a spokesman for the family confirmed that following that visit, social services now do not consider the twins to be in danger.
She said: "The family pro-actively went to social services to make sure they were being seen as responsible parents. Social services have contacted the family since then and said it went very well."
Asked whether the children are now safe from being taken away, she said simply: "It is no longer a threat."
The development came as it was revealed that the McCanns have lost faith in the Portuguese police investigation - and are deeply involved in what is described as a 'pro-active' legal case against the allegations.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations against them, the McCanns have had no formal contact with Portuguese police since their return to Britain a week ago.
A source close to the family said: "They are struggling to get a daily dialogue with the Portuguese police.
"They can't get any clarification on what is going on and it is hugely frustrating for them.
"They really don't know what is going on over there and they feel the Portuguese police are playing a game with them.
"They are simply incredulous at what has happened and fear that the whole investigation has become political.
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Kate McCann
"They fear that while the police spend all their time pursuing them, no one is looking for their daughter."
Despite the rumours that have abounded about the McCanns' involvement in the case, Gerry McCann said a public 'thank you' to everyone who has supported the family.
Writing on his online blog, he said: "Thank you for all the cards, letters, flowers, gifts and messages of support. It means so much to us to know that so many people have not been deceived by rumour, innuendo and wild speculation.
"Most importantly the search for Madeleine carries on and our family have not given up hope of finding her.
"Life in Rothley is still a long way off normal with the large media presence but it is beginning to settle down somewhat. We all managed to go to mass today and it was comforting to pray for Madeleine with friends and family in our local church."
On Friday the McCanns spent nearly seven hours at the London office of their lawyer Michael Caplan QC.
Gerry McCann was locked in similar legal discussions for most of Saturday.
The couple were said to be "really pleased" with their legal team.
A spokesman for the couple would not speculate on what legal manoeuvres the McCanns are considering.
However, she did say: "There is work to be done putting together their legal case to get themselves into a strong a position as they can.
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Madeleine McCann
"They are being very proactive. There may be different options for how the case may proceed. They will be working with their legal advisors to get in as strong a position as they can.
"There are a number of options being discussed as to how the investigation may continue: whether the Portuguese authorities come to the UK or whether some of the investigation is carried out by the UK authorities.
"There are lots of options on the table but there is no formal explanation yet as to the next step."
The spokeswoman also cast doubt on speculation that Leicestershire police are working alongside Portuguese detectives, saying: "We are in very close contact with Leicestershire police.
"We haven't heard anything to that effect yet."
A spokesman for the Leicestershire force said only: "If they require our assistance it will be considered".
• The McCanns received a rare piece of good news - they were told they will not lose custody of their two-tear-old twins.
The couple had been terrified that British social workers - prompted by Portuguese allegations that the couple harmed Madeleine - would take away Sean and Amelie.
Two social workers spent an hour with the McCanns last Thursday, during which they asked the couple about their childcare techniques.
A family spokesman confirmed that social services do not consider the twins to be in danger.
She said: "The family went to social services to make sure they were being seen as responsible parents. Social services have contacted the family since then and said it went very well."
Asked whether the children were safe from being taken away, she said: "It is no longer a threat".


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