Ruby Franke’s Family Guide: Where are her children after her arrest?

Ruby Franke was arrested for abuse of children after previously documented her family’s daily life on her YouTube channel – but where are her children now?

After facing the will for some of her parental possibilities, Ruby stopped her channel “8 passengers” and continued to launch Connexions with mentor Jodi Hildebrant in 2022. In August 2023, Franke was arrested in two numbers of children’s abuse. She and Hildebrant have since admitted guilty and both were sentenced to four consecutive prison.

In January 2025, Frank’s eldest daughter Shari told her side of the story in her book“My mother’s house: daughter’s search for freedom.” The memoir described in detail the alleged abuse of her mother, which occurred during Shari’s childhood. (Ruby shares his children with her husband Kevin Frankewho had applied for divorce after his arrest.)

“When I was younger, around, like five six, Ruby was really physical,” Shari said, now in her early 20 years. Good morning America at that time. “Whether it was like a slap on my lips or a slap on the face … When I trained on the piano, her hand would slam and it was really scary.”

Asked if there was something that Ruby would say today, Shari said, “Probably tell her I’m happy without you. I’ve been afraid of her for so long and I’m here without her consent and I’m fine. ”

The oldest children of the former couple – Shari and Chad – are the only ones who preferred to stay in the public eye. The rest of the children – which are still minors – remained private. Go down for what to know about Ruby and her family:

When was Ruby arrested?

Ruby was arrested in August 2023 for two numbers of aggravating children after one of her sons escaped out of the Utah Hildebrant window. The son went to the neighbor’s house and asked for food and water. At the authorities, the child had adhesive tape on the ankles and wrists and was malnourished.

How did Ruby beg?

In December 2023, Ruby confessed to four number of children’s abuse and described “physical torture”. Ruby agreed to serve in prison and that her sentences would be in the agreement on the action. Ruby also testified against Hildebrant, who confessed to the guilty.

When was Ruby convicted?

Ruby was sentenced to four consecutive prison conditions in February 2024, which could range from one to 15 years. Hildebrant received the same convicts.

When addressing the court before her condemnation of Ruby, her accusation was “fair”. She added: “They offer security for my family, public responsibility.” Ruby claimed that she was “leading to belief” that the world was a “evil place” and thanked officials who saved their children.

What was Hildebrant’s relationship with Ruby?

In his book in January 2025, Shari wrote that Hildebrant moved to the family house in 2022, while Kevin moved shortly after. Shari claimed that alleged abuse became more psychological – instead of physical – when Hildebrant became part of the family’s life.

“I certainly got strange vibrations from Jodi and Ruby,” Shari said Good morning America At that time he noticed that Ruby was “secret” about the relationship with Hildebrandt. “I don’t think it’s normal, that the therapist would move into your client’s house … I moved to college, I didn’t leave the house yet, and she’s in my room and bed.”

In Shari, she claimed that she found news on Ruby’s laptop after arrest. She wrote: “Ruby and expresses her frustrations that she has to take care of the needs of iodine for physical affection without getting anything in return.”

Ruby said Good morning America That she was not “sure” whether the relationship was Ruby and Hildebrant romantic. (Before her sentence in February 2024, Ruby said in a court statement that Hildebrant was “never” her business partner. Ruby claimed that Hildebrant was “employed as an advisor to my son in 2019.

Did any of Ruby’s children approach her before her arrest?

Shari claimed that she had contacted the authorities about alleged abuse on more occasions. The Utah Division of Children and Family Division refused to comment on the claims of Shari in her statement by ABC News. The call sound was played during Hulu’s Devil in the DOCS family row.

“The Utah Child and Family Services (DCFS) division works with children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. DCFS respects that every child and family have the right to privacy and remain firmly in our commitment to this privacy for children and families in Utah, ”the statement read. “DCFS confirms reports on the enforcement of the right of our involvement in the Franke case. However, in order to protect the integrity of the necessary work relations with those we serve and respect the privacy of children and families, DCFS will continue their practice and abstain from sharing specific information about the case, past or present. Utah law requires each person to believe that the child is subject to abuse, neglect or addiction to report it to DCFS or local coercive agency. 24/7 Abuse and neglect The hot line is 855-323-3237. ”

What did Ruby’s family say about her arrest?

Ruby’s sisters condemned her event in an instagram joint statement in August 2023. “Over the past three years, we have been silent because of our sister Ruby Franke because of her children.” Behind the public scene we did everything we could to try to make sure the kids are safe, ” Ellie Mechama, der and Bonnie Hoellin wrote. “Ruby was arrested, which had to happen.” Jodi was arrested, which had to happen. Children are now safe, which is priority No. 1. ”

Kevin asked for divorce with Ruby and asked for a custody. Since April 2024, children have been in custody of the Utah division of children’s and family services.

“He just wants to do what is best for his children, get them back, get them under his leadership and his paternity and protect them,” said Kevin’s lawyer Randy Kester at that time.

In the middle of his case in the Juvenile court – which was sealed – Kevin sued Hildebrandt for deliberate cause of emotional distress, negligence causing emotional anxiety and negligence for him and his children.

Where now stands Ruby’s children?

In August 2024 Chad recognized the anniversary of Ruby’s arrest. “Happy prisoner,” he wrote in Snapchat.

While he remembers his childhood Good morning America In January 2025, Shari honestly did not want to resemble her mother. “Sometimes I’ll see you in the mirror and I like,” Oh, my God, I look like her, “or” it sounds like her, “but I don’t want to be anything like her,” Shari said.

Shari claimed that she did not think that her mom could “fully understand the blame” of what she confessed to. “I think it’s so sorry as it can be,” Shari said. “What she did is so bad that I don’t think her mind allows her to fully understand all of it.” And so I think she probably really believed everything she said. But I don’t believe it. ”

Shari tried to rebuild her relationship with her father and siblings. She noted that she was struggling with the idea of ​​forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is something I had to study a lot and think a little about what it means,” she said. “But for me, forgiveness would look as if it didn’t let every moment of my life and all my thoughts.” I just try to continue my life and I believe that things will work as they should. ”

Where does Ruby stand with former husband Kevin?

Lawyer Randy Kester said Today In September 2023, the statement that the couple was separated “to Ruby’s directive” for 13 months. He added that “Kevin didn’t want to be separated.”

“He wanted to work through fear as a family,” Kester said. “There has never been any formal, written decree on a separate maintenance or department agreement. The department was under the conditions of the forbidden Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt. ”

Ruby and Kevin started marital counseling in 2021 with Hildebrant. Said Kester People That Hildebrant suggested a separate pair. In November 2023 he continued his divorce.

“To date, I’m still working on divorce,” Kevin said in an interview with people in February 2025. We are trying to reach an agreement. It was a long process, well for more than a year, but it is going on. ”

Kevin noted that he was “close” to the official divorce with Ruby. He also began to think about returning to the scene with dating.

“Well, of course, I’m thinking about it,” he admitted. “But I’m a man of my honor and I’m still technically married.” So I stay until the divorce is completed. When the time is, it’s something I think I’m looking forward to chasing. ”

Where does Ruby’s children stand with their father Kevin?

Shortly before Ruby’s convictions in February 2024, Kester said in his statement Law and crime“The treatment that these children received from the hands of those who had the right to trust were terrible and inhuman, physically and psychologically. Kevin remains aimed at rehabilitation of these sweet and vulnerable children so that they can return to normal life as soon as possible. ”

Kevin said ABC News in a statement in January 2025: “I am incredibly proud of Shari for the woman she has happened and for her strength. She has played and will continue to play a key role in the recovery of our family. I am grateful for her example and I learn a lot from her vulnerability and courage. He has a strong voice and will have a positive impact on this world. I love my daughter. ”

The four youngest children did not publish when they decided after the scandal for more private lives.

Do children defend Ruby for change?

Shari addressed Utah legislator in October 2024 about the “dangers” of parents who use their children online for money profit.

“When children become stars on online content of their family, they become influences about a child,” said ABC News in the Utah Committee. “It’s more than just filming your family life and introduction online.” It is a full -time job with employees, business credit cards, managers and marketing strategies. ”

Shari demanded a greater restriction of family vlogging, specifically when children are too young for consent. “There is nothing like a moral or ethical family Vlogger,” she said.

If you or someone you know you are experiencing children’s abuse, call or send text Baby hot line per 1-800-422-4453.