Colin Farrell Says He’s Sending His Son With Angelman Syndrome in Care Facility

Colin Farrell has recently opened up about a major decision he has taken in his personal life. The actor and his ex-wife, Kim Bordenave, have decided to admit their 21-year-old son, James, diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, to a care facility. James was first diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome as a toddler. This disorder typically affects the nervous system.

Here is what Colin Farrell said about putting his son in a care facility.

Colin Farrell talks about moving his son to care facility

In a recent interview with Candis magazine, Colin Farrell opened up about why he admitted his son James, who suffers from Angelman Syndrome, to a care facility. The Penguin star said that he and Bordenave made this difficult decision because they were concerned about James’ future care. They feared what might happen to him if something were to happen to them.

“It’s tricky – some parents will say,” Farrell said. “‘I want to take care of my child myself’, and I respect that.” (via The Independent)

Colin Farrell then expressed his fear of his son possibly being “on his own,” if the former suffered “a heart attack” or if Kim met with a “car crash.” He then noted that if these hypothetical situations were to happen, then James would be placed under the state’s custody. Farrell added that he and Kim would have no say in where James would then live in the future.

Farrell then opened up about him and Bordenave exploring options for James’ future care facility. The Banshees of Inisherin actor expressed hope that they could find a place they liked. He also hoped it would be a place where James could live a “full and happy life,” while also feeling “connected.”

Colin Farrell previously opened up about starting a foundation in honor of James’ condition in an exclusive interview with People last year. In this interview, Farrell expressed his wish for the world to treat James with “kindness and respect.” Moreover, Farrell explained that once James turned 21, he would lose the safeguards put in place for his care, such as “special ed classes.” As a result, James would essentially have to care for himself.

According to Mayo Clinic, Angelman syndrome is caused by a genetic change. Those afflicted with this genetic disorder will experience delayed development, speech and balance problems, mental disability and seizures.