Colin Farrell Opens Up About Placing His Son with Angelman Syndrome Into Long-Term Care Facility

Colin Farrell has made the deeply emotional decision to transition his 21-year-old son James, who lives with Angelman syndrome, into a long-term care facility. In a conversation that pulls back the curtain on a parent’s love and fear, Farrell shared that he and James’ mother, Kim Bordenave, began the process while they’re still alive and well — because the idea of something happening to them before securing James’ future is terrifying.

Angelman syndrome is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects motor skills, development, and speech, and requires lifelong care. Farrell, who has long been open about the challenges and joys of parenting a child with disabilities, said that while they are financially capable of continuing to care for James at home, it’s not about money — it’s about giving James stability and structure that will outlast them.

They chose a facility after months of visiting options, focusing not only on care but community. “If something were to happen to me or his mom,” Farrell said, “what happens then?” They wanted him to already be comfortable somewhere, surrounded by people who know him — a place that feels like home, not like an emergency backup plan.

James’ move is not immediate, but gradual, to give him time to adjust. “We want him to feel safe. We want him to feel familiar. We want him to feel independent in his way,” Farrell added. It’s a story not just about disability, but about the brutal reality many parents quietly face — how to plan for a future they may not be around to see.