A mother of four has revealed plans to obtain professional counseling for her children following her husband's arrest on serious criminal charges, according to audio recordings obtained from recent jail phone calls.
Kendra Duggar, 27, informed her husband Joseph Duggar, 31, of her intentions during a phone conversation while he was detained at the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas. The couple, formerly featured on the reality television program Counting On, now faces a complex legal situation that has prompted concerns about their children's wellbeing.
"I have been making plans in my head of what I feel like I need to do moving forward with the kids, and probably try to get counseling for them," Kendra Duggar stated during the recorded call.
Serious Charges Filed in Multiple Jurisdictions
Joseph Duggar was arrested in Tontitown, Arkansas, on March 19 on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older. According to Bay County, Florida, law enforcement authorities, a 14-year-old victim came forward with allegations that Joseph Duggar molested her when she was nine years old during a 2020 vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida.
The following day, on March 20, both Kendra and Joseph Duggar were charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second degree, and four counts of second degree false imprisonment. Authorities have indicated these charges are separate from the child molestation case.
Kendra Duggar was released from custody on March 20 after posting a bond of $1,470. Joseph Duggar was extradited from Arkansas to Florida on Tuesday, March 31.
Mother Describes Severe Anxiety Following Arrest
In phone conversations prior to her husband's extradition, Kendra Duggar described experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety following her arrest. The mother of four children—sons Garrett and Justus, and daughters Addison and Brooklyn—disclosed she was struggling to manage basic daily functions.
"You know how I am with anxiety, and this is like a whole other level than I have experienced in my entire life," she told her husband during one call. "I went up into my bed so I am so weak, and I did not know what to do or what to say. I think I was kind of spiraling downhill."
Kendra Duggar indicated she received support from her mother-in-law, Michelle Duggar, 59, who visited to pray with her. She acknowledged difficulty maintaining a positive mindset and expressed concern about her ability to care for herself, stating she did not know how she would manage to eat during the crisis.
"I cannot be by myself for too long," she explained. "When I get reminded of those promises, it is very encouraging to me and very uplifting. But it is hard to stay in that mindset, obviously."
Family Response and Support
Joseph Duggar assured his wife he was dedicating time to prayer when not reading scripture. "I have been praying specifically that you would get rest, that you would get food in, and that your energy would be sustained during this," he told her from jail.
Joseph Duggar's parents, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, issued a statement through a family spokesperson on Wednesday, April 1. "Jim Bob and Michelle are heartbroken over this entire situation," the spokesperson stated. "Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time. They are praying for the victim. They ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many."
The recordings reveal Joseph Duggar has been maintaining physical fitness in his jail cell, describing a workout routine involving squats, push-ups, and dips. Multiple phone conversations between the couple have been made public since their arrests, providing insight into their current circumstances and the location of their children.
The legal proceedings are ongoing in both Arkansas and Florida jurisdictions. The decision to pursue counseling for the children reflects growing recognition of the psychological impact such situations can have on families, particularly young children navigating parental absence and public scrutiny.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.