DENVER — A homeless couple’s struggle to keep their family together took a devastating turn when Denver Department of Human Services (DHS) removed their seven children from their care—just weeks after the family acquired a donated van to replace their previous cramped living situation.
The family’s ordeal was first highlighted by Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND), which shared their story last month. Rehema Cranmer, her partner, and their seven children had been living in a van, forced to “play Tetris” to fit everyone inside. After the article gained attention, generous donors helped the family secure a new van—a rare moment of hope before their lives were upended by child welfare intervention.
A “Weird” Encounter Leads to Family Separation
According to HAND, a DHS worker approached the family weeks ago under the guise of offering diapers and resources. “The DHS worker didn’t just want to give them diapers; she wanted to interrogate the kids one at a time and then the parents,” HAND’s statement read. The worker allegedly urged the family to visit the DHS office for physical checkups and additional support but provided no housing assistance.
The family, unaware that DHS also functions as Denver’s child protective services, found the interaction strange but didn’t suspect what would come next.
A week later, Cranmer received a text message ordering her to appear in court within 24 hours. Suspicious of the abrupt demand, the family attempted to submit an affidavit virtually but were unsuccessful. The following day, as they tried to check into a hotel, police surrounded them.
“They took them all to the police station and then took all the children,” HAND reported. “They put them in different clothes, put them in police cars, and took them crying and screaming from their parents. Two of the kids are still breastfeeding.”
DHS: Cases Are “Confidential,” But Homelessness Isn’t Grounds for Removal
When pressed for comment, a DHS spokesperson declined to discuss specifics, citing confidentiality. However, the agency emphasized that “homelessness and poverty are not child protection concerns” and that removals only occur after judicial approval.
“If there is enough concern for the safety of the children, removal can only occur with the approval of a judge or magistrate,” the statement said, adding that parents are provided legal representation and a hearing within three business days.
Advocates: “This Is About Poverty, Not Abuse”
HAND insists the allegations against the parents—including claims of inadequate space, poor hygiene, and hunger—are direct consequences of homelessness, not neglect or abuse. The organization also disputed a domestic violence allegation, calling it a baseless addition to justify the separation.
“Instead of taking these kids from their family because they are houseless, Denver Human Services should be working with the city to connect them with housing,” HAND argued. “Taking kids, including breastfeeding babies, from good families just because they can’t afford housing is the most inhumane anti-houseless enforcement. Nothing about this can be deemed OK.”
The parents are now fighting in court to regain custody of their children—a battle that advocates say underscores the systemic criminalization of poverty.
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