Kendra Duggar Speaks About Losing Custody of Children After Arrest

Duggar tells husband Joseph she is 'fighting for the kids' in new jail audio

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands, the metal cuffs reflecting harsh light and casting dramatic shadows, conceptually representing the Duggar family's legal troubles.The arrest of Kendra and Joseph Duggar has torn their family apart, with their children now in state custody as the legal cases proceed.Tontitown Today

In a prison phone call, Kendra Duggar told her husband Joseph that she is prioritizing their four children after both parents were arrested on separate charges. Kendra was arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, while Joseph faces more serious allegations of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a minor. The couple's children have been removed from their custody as the legal cases proceed.

Why it matters

The Duggar family has been a focus of intense public scrutiny for years, with multiple controversies and legal issues surrounding the large family. This latest development involving the arrest and separation of Kendra and Joseph Duggar from their children adds to the ongoing saga and raises concerns about the welfare and safety of the couple's young kids.

The details

In the phone call, Kendra told Joseph that their children are her 'No. 1 priority' and that she is 'fighting for the kids' amid the legal troubles. Joseph agreed that Kendra should be prioritizing the children the most. While Joseph has been released on $600,000 bond and is awaiting trial, he is not allowed any contact with the kids. Kendra was released on a $1,470 bond, but her arrest was reportedly related to the home study conducted after Joseph's charges, not directly connected to his case.

  • Kendra Duggar was arrested on March 20, 2026.
  • Joseph Duggar was arrested two days earlier, on March 18, 2026.
  • The phone call between Kendra and Joseph took place on March 24, 2026.

The players

Kendra Duggar

The 27-year-old wife of Joseph Duggar, who was arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor.

Joseph Duggar

The 31-year-old husband of Kendra Duggar, who was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a minor and other related charges.

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What they’re saying

“I think Friday has probably been my hardest day, but that's crazy to say because Wednesday was crazy hard.”

— Kendra Duggar

“But it's just like, when you then take my babies from me, they were who I was just going to pour my life into.”

— Kendra Duggar

“I'm fighting for the kids, and they're my No. 1 priority right now. I just want you to know, through all of this, whatever happens, that's who's coming first. Then we'll just see where the rest of it leads us and try to put the pieces together.”

— Kendra Duggar

“You should be fighting for them the most.”

— Joseph Duggar

What’s next

Joseph Duggar is awaiting trial on the charges he faces, while Kendra Duggar continues to fight for custody of their children. The outcome of their respective legal cases will determine if and when the family can be reunited.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact that criminal allegations can have on families, especially when children are involved. It raises questions about the Duggar family's ability to provide a safe and stable environment for their kids, and whether the legal system is equipped to adequately address such complex situations.