Natalia Grace‘s life story is one of extraordinary circumstances, marked by adoption, abandonment, legal battles, and media scrutiny. Born in Ukraine in 2003 with a rare form of dwarfism, her journey to the United States and subsequent experiences with multiple adoptive families have sparked widespread attention. This article explores Natalia’s biological background, her adoption history, the controversies surrounding her adoptive parents, and her current life.
Natalia Grace’s Biological Origins
Natalia Grace was born on September 4, 2003, in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. Her biological mother, Anna Volodymyrivna Gava, placed her in an orphanage shortly after birth. Natalia was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism that affects bone growth and physical stature. Anna later explained that she was unable to care for Natalia due to financial constraints.
Early Adoption and Relinquishment
In 2008, Natalia Grace was adopted by Dyan and Gary Ciccone from New Hampshire. She immigrated to the United States under their care but was soon placed back into the adoption system due to what the Ciccones described as “disruptive behavior.” This marked the beginning of a series of tumultuous relationships with adoptive families.
Adoption by the Barnett Family
In 2010, Natalia was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett in Indiana. The Barnetts were already parents to three biological sons, including Jacob Barnett, a child prodigy. Initially welcoming Natalia into their family, the Barnetts began to suspect that she was older than her stated age due to physical markers such as adult teeth and pubic hair.
Natalia Grace, born in Ukraine to biological mother Anna Gava, has lived with multiple adoptive families: the Ciccones, the Barnetts, the Mans family, and now the DePauls—each shaping her extraordinary journey.
In 2012, the Barnetts petitioned an Indiana court to legally change Natalia’s birth year from 2003 to 1989, effectively re-aging her from eight years old to twenty-two. They alleged that Natalia exhibited sociopathic behavior and posed a danger to their family. Claims included attempts to poison Kristine and harm their children. By 2013, the Barnetts moved Natalia into an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana, before relocating to Canada with their biological children. They cut off contact with Natalia entirely.
Legal Battles Against the Barnetts
The abandonment led to criminal charges against Kristine and Michael Barnett for neglecting a dependent. Prosecutors argued that Natalia Grace was still a minor at the time of abandonment based on Ukrainian birth records and DNA evidence confirming her biological age as consistent with her original birth year of 2003. However, legal proceedings were complicated by the court’s recognition of Natalia as an adult due to her legally changed age.
Michael Barnett was acquitted in 2022, and charges against Kristine were dismissed in 2023. Throughout these trials, Natalia maintained that she had been mistreated by Kristine, alleging physical abuse such as pepper spraying and being hit with a belt.
Life with the Mans Family
After being abandoned by the Barnetts, Natalia befriended Cynthia Mans in 2013. Cynthia and her husband Antwon Mans welcomed Natalia into their home in Indiana. Despite initial harmony within the household, tensions arose over time. The Mans family legally adopted Natalia in 2023 but faced challenges related to conflicts over her independence and romantic relationships.
By late 2023, Natalia left the Mans household abruptly with help from her boyfriend Neil. She accused them of controlling behavior and moved in with the DePaul family in New York.
Where Is Natalia Grace Now?
Natalia currently resides with the DePaul family in upstate New York. The DePauls had initially sought to adopt her before she joined the Barnett family. Her relationship with them appears stable despite lingering involvement from previous adoptive families. As of January 2025, Natalia continues to share her story through media appearances and documentaries.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Natalia’s life has been extensively covered through television series such as The Curious Case of Natalia Grace and dramatizations like Hulu’s Good American Family. These portrayals have brought attention to issues surrounding international adoption and disability rights while sparking debates about truth versus manipulation in her case.
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Natalia Grace’s life is emblematic of both the complexities of international adoption and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities navigating familial relationships. From abandonment to legal battles and media scrutiny, her journey underscores how perceptions can shape reality — for better or worse. Today, she continues to rebuild her life while reflecting on a past filled with controversy and resilience.
