Colin Farrell talks about the tough decision of long-term care for his son James, who is suffering from Angelman Syndrome

Colin Farrell has made a very hard decision regarding the future of his 21-year-old son, James, who lives with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. Farrell revealed that he and his ex-partner, Kim Bordenave, have decided to place James in a long-term care facility in a recent interview. After giving considerable consideration to what would be best for James in the years to come, the choice was made.
Concerns for James’s future
According to the Candis Magazine interview, Farrell explained the reason behind this difficult choice. He spoke about his fear of what could happen if both he and Kim were suddenly unable to care for James. "It’s tricky – some parents will say, ‘I want to take care of my child myself’, and I respect that. But my horror would be, what if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, has a car crash and she’s taken too – and then James is on his own?”
The 48-year-old actor further explained his concerns, saying that if such a situation occurred, James could become "a ward of the state," and they would "have no say in it." To avoid this, Farrell and Bordenave are carefully evaluating different care facilities to find the right place for James. "We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected," Farrell said. He also added that by choosing a place now, they can stay involved in James’s life, visiting him often and taking him out whenever possible.
Advocating for young adults with disabilities
Farrell has been a strong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. He has often spoken about the challenges that come as children with special needs grow into adulthood. In an earlier interview with People magazine, he said, "Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own. All the safeguards that are put in place – special ed classes – that all goes away. So, you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind."
Farrell recently established the ‘Colin Farrell Foundation,’ which focuses on advocacy, education, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, to help close these gaps. His son James, who is nonverbal and needs constant assistance, served as the inspiration for this work.