Utah parenting bloggers Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on Aug. 30 after police received a distress call from a juvenile seeking help. The incident shed light on the troubled home life of Franke and Hildebrandt, who ran a joint parenting advice YouTube page called ConneXions Classroom. Authorities discovered malnourished and emaciated children at Hildebrandt’s home, prompting further investigation into the bloggers’ parenting practices.
According to police reports, Franke’s home had been a subject of concern since 2020, with multiple visits from law enforcement. Neighbors noticed a change in the family’s behavior, with Franke and Hildebrandt becoming increasingly isolated from the community. The children were withdrawn from school, and attendance at church dwindled. In addition, Franke reported receiving threatening messages, leading to increased police presence in the area.
Concerns about the parenting advice shared on their YouTube channel, particularly on their Facebook page “Moms of Truth”/ConneXions, grew among neighbors. Some felt that the strategies promoted in their videos were harsh and potentially harmful to the children. A report from the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) in 2022 revealed instances of unsupervised children running in the street and allegations of extended periods of time spent away from home without proper care.
In September 2022, Franke’s eldest daughter reached out to the police, stating that multiple children had been left alone for days while Franke was away with Hildebrandt. Police attempted to make contact with the children but were met with resistance. Neighbors corroborated the claims and expressed concern about Franke’s absence and Hildebrandt’s influence.
Despite DCFS visits and attempts to reach Franke and her children, little progress was made due to lack of cooperation. It wasn’t until the distress call from the neighbor that authorities were able to locate and rescue two of Franke’s children from Hildebrandt’s address. The other four children were found at another adult’s house.
Both Franke and Hildebrandt initially faced two counts of child abuse, but four additional charges were later added. Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, was not mentioned in the police reports. Neighbors spoke highly of him and noticed a decline in the family dynamic after his departure.
The case highlights the dark side of the mommy blogging world and raises questions about the potential impact of online advice on parenting. The investigation into Franke and Hildebrandt’s actions continues, with authorities working to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children and the potential dangers of unchecked influence in the digital age.
