Where Are Ruby Franke's Kids Now? A Look Into the Aftermath of the Franke Family Scandal

The story of Ruby Franke, a popular YouTuber and matriarch behind the "8 Passengers" family vlog, has recently taken a dark turn, captivating the attention of millions across the globe. Ruby Franke, known for documenting her family’s life on YouTube, has been at the center of a highly publicized scandal that has left her children at the heart of the conversation. But where are Ruby Franke's kids now? What happened to the Franke children, and how have they been impacted by the events surrounding their mother?

The Rise of the Franke Family

Ruby Franke and her husband Kevin gained popularity through their YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, where they shared moments from their everyday lives as parents of six children. Their vlogs portrayed a picture-perfect family, with Ruby often giving advice about parenting, family life, and discipline. Over time, the channel garnered millions of views and became a trusted source of family content for viewers worldwide.

However, the seemingly wholesome family was hiding a darker reality. Many viewers began to notice concerning aspects of Ruby's parenting style, including strict and often controversial disciplinary methods. Despite the criticism, the family continued to thrive online, gaining more followers.

The Allegations and Arrest

In August 2023, everything changed when Ruby Franke was arrested on charges of child abuse, alongside her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt. The charges came after one of Ruby’s children, a 12-year-old, was found in a state of distress and was brought to authorities, leading to an investigation into the family’s living conditions. The child had reportedly sought help from a neighbor after escaping an abusive situation at home.

Further investigations revealed that Ruby’s parenting methods were far more severe than what was shown on their YouTube channel. Allegations of neglect, malnourishment, and physical abuse emerged, painting a disturbing picture of what had been happening behind closed doors. As a result, all of Ruby Franke’s children were removed from the home and placed into protective custody.

The Impact on Ruby’s Children

The aftermath of the scandal has left many wondering about the well-being of Ruby Franke’s children. As of now, the children are in the custody of child protective services. While the identities of the children have not been officially revealed to protect their privacy, it is known that the family consists of six children, ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers. It is believed that the older children, especially those who were directly affected by the abuse allegations, are now under the care of other family members or the state.

In the wake of the scandal, there have been mixed emotions from the public about the children’s future. Some are concerned about the psychological and emotional trauma the children may have experienced due to the abusive environment they were reportedly subjected to, while others are hopeful that the children will find stability and safety in new homes or foster care.

Legal and Custodial Developments

Following Ruby Franke’s arrest, the children’s legal status became a major point of concern. Although there has been little public information released about their specific whereabouts, it is reported that child protective services (CPS) have taken custody of the children to ensure they are safe and well cared for. There is speculation that some of the children could be placed with extended family members, as this is often the first course of action in child abuse cases. However, the court’s decision regarding the children's long-term custody is still pending.

Ruby Franke’s arrest has sparked national conversations on the ethics of family vlogging, the pressure on children in the public eye, and the rights of minors. Many people have been left asking whether the children were exploited for views and revenue, as their lives were chronicled in a way that, for many, seemed to border on the invasive.

The Children’s Safety and Psychological Healing

As the Franke children’s lives are now out of the public spotlight, questions remain about how they are coping with the trauma and adjusting to a life away from their mother. The psychological impact of growing up in an environment of strict rules, harsh discipline, and public scrutiny could be immense. Therapy and counseling will likely play a crucial role in their recovery process.

Additionally, given the nature of the online world and the massive exposure the Franke children had, there is the risk of them dealing with feelings of betrayal or confusion. Their identities have been publicly exposed for years, and they may have struggled with understanding the line between their real lives and the version of their lives portrayed on the internet.

The Future of Ruby Franke and Her Children

Ruby Franke’s future remains uncertain. The charges against her could lead to severe legal consequences, including a long prison sentence. Her YouTube channel has been permanently removed, and her presence on social media has been erased, with many of her past followers expressing disappointment and anger over the abuse allegations.

As for the children, their future looks more promising now that they are removed from the toxic environment. Their well-being will likely be prioritized above all else, and while it will take time for them to heal from the scars of their past, there is hope that they will find a better life moving forward. The public remains hopeful that Ruby’s children will eventually find peace and the opportunity to grow in a safe, loving environment far removed from the eyes of the internet.

Conclusion

The question, “Where are Ruby Franke’s kids now?” is one that reflects a broader concern about the dangers of public life and the pressures of growing up in the digital age. While the Franke family’s downfall is tragic, the children’s safety and recovery are now the primary focus. They have been removed from a situation that, by all accounts, was both dangerous and exploitative, and it is now up to child protective services and the courts to determine their future.

For many, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning children into internet celebrities and the dark side of the family vlogging culture. Moving forward, the hope is that the Franke children will experience healing, support, and the chance to lead fulfilling lives free from the shadow of their parents' mistakes.