Kevin Franke said his first reaction was “anger and shock” when he learned this month that the state victim advocate assigned to his family would stop providing services after June 30. The ex-husband of convicted child abuser Ruby Franke said the advocate had been a lifeline for his family, helping them apply for programs, keeping them informed about hearings, and offering emotional support during the long aftermath of the case. Franke said he looked into state budget documents and believes lawmakers cut the program, and he is now publicly urging the Legislature to bring the position back.
Franke told 2News that he received an email this month saying the advocate “would no longer provide him and his family services after this month,” effectively ending support on June 30, according to KUTV. He said the advocate was the person who walked the family through legal steps and helped them find concrete programs and resources. “My reaction, frankly, was anger and shock,” Franke said.
Lawmakers And Agency Offer Different Accounts
A spokesperson for the Utah House of Representatives told reporters that “Victim services remain a top priority for the Legislature” and that “the funding remains in the budget and will continue into the upcoming fiscal year,” according to KUTV. 2News also reported that the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, which houses the program, was contacted and was working on a statement about the change. For families like the Frankes, those differing explanations leave an uneasy question hanging in the air about what actually happens next.
Recent Legislative Changes Tied To Victim Services
In recent sessions, lawmakers have been reshuffling how victim services are structured at the state level, adjusting who oversees support programs and how they get funded. One example is HB0532, which modifies the Utah Victim Services Commission and other statutory boards, according to the official bill language. The text of HB0532 does not specifically announce that any particular program will close, but advocates caution that big reorganizations can create gaps in services while systems are in flux.
What Victims Might Lose
Victim advocates say continuity matters. Having one dedicated person to help survivors track court dates, navigate services, and work through the emotional fallout can be the difference between feeling supported and feeling lost in bureaucracy. Franke has urged officials to reestablish the role so families are not left without a consistent point of contact. As outlined by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, local crisis centers and district victim advocates often step in when statewide roles shift or disappear.
Franke said he plans to keep pressing legislators and agency leaders until he gets clear answers. Lawmakers continue to say that funding for victim services remains in place, and the agency has said it is reviewing next steps. Officials had not provided a fuller explanation at the time of reporting. This story will be updated when agencies release additional details.
