Ruby Franke's Children: Narcissistic Abuse Recovery After the Conviction

On August 30, 2023, Ruby Franke was arrested. Her son had escaped through a window. The performance was over.

For her six children — raised as content, filmed for millions — the work was just beginning.

Part 5 of "The Good Mother" examines recovery after narcissistic family abuse. What happens when you finally get out. Who you become when the show ends.

Shari Franke, 22, published a memoir and testified before Utah legislators. She advocates for child influencer laws, builds a life on her own terms.

Chad Franke, 20, reads his 2023 diaries on TikTok. Entries written while under Jodi's influence — goals about eliminating "lust," being pure enough. He calls it being "brainwashed."

Ruby writes letters from prison. Chad doesn't respond. "I don't think I'm interested in talking right now."

Kevin Franke divorced Ruby in March 2025. He remarried in December 2025. He says he still loves Ruby — but is "as angry as can be." Communication from Ruby is blocked.

The four minor children heal privately. Russell and Eve — the children found bound and starving — have their identities protected for the first time. Faces blurred. Names redacted.

Recovery isn't linear. Getting out is the beginning, not the end. The work is figuring out which beliefs were really yours. Learning whether you can forgive — or whether you even want to. Building an identity that isn't defined by the performance.

Ruby's first parole hearing is December 2026.

Her children are still here. Still becoming whoever they decide to be.

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

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