“Not OK”: Advocates Say Denver Took Children Simply Because Family Was Homeless

Seven Children Taken from Homeless Couple Living in Van Sparks Outcry in Denver

Seven children were recently removed from the custody of a homeless couple living in a van in Denver, sparking controversy and criticism from advocacy group Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND). The family’s story gained public attention last month when HAND shared how they were living in cramped conditions and relied on donations to purchase a new van. But in an unexpected turn, HAND says a Denver Human Services (DHS) worker approached the family under the guise of offering resources and diapers, only to later initiate a child welfare investigation without clearly disclosing her role as a caseworker.

According to HAND, DHS later sent the mother, Rehema Cranmer, a text ordering her to appear in court with only 24 hours’ notice. As the family attempted to check into a hotel for the night, they were surrounded by police and taken to the station. All seven children—including two who were still breastfeeding—were separated from their parents and placed in different clothing before being taken away in police cars.

DHS, citing confidentiality laws, declined to comment on the specifics of the case but said removals only occur when children are deemed unsafe, and with court approval. The agency emphasized that homelessness alone is not grounds for child removal. However, HAND argues the couple’s only “offense” was being unhoused, stating that the listed concerns—tight living quarters, hygiene, and food insecurity—stem from poverty, not neglect or abuse. They also claim a domestic violence allegation was added as a pretext, despite there being no evidence of such behavior.

HAND is now calling on the city to focus on providing housing support rather than tearing families apart. “Taking kids, including breastfeeding babies, from good families just because they can’t afford housing is the most inhumane anti-houseless enforcement,” they said. “Nothing about this can be deemed OK.” The couple is currently engaged in court proceedings to regain custody of their children.