Natalia Grace Escapes Adoptive Family, Finds New Life with DePauls

Natalia Grace, the 21-year-old Ukrainian orphan with dwarfism featured in the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, has found a new beginning after escaping her adoptive family, the Manses, in December 2023. The dramatic escape, which took months of planning, was facilitated by her boyfriend Neil and the DePaul family, who had previously tried to adopt her in 2009.

Natalia had lived with the Mans family for a decade after being abandoned by her previous adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett. However, their relationship deteriorated in recent years, culminating in Natalia’s decision to leave. The Manses, who adopted her legally in June 2023, were accused of controlling her and restricting her contact with outsiders, including Neil, whom she met on Facebook.

In the docuseries’ final season, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter, viewers witness the emotional and physical toll of Natalia’s life with the Manses. Neighbors and friends allege that the Manses subjected her to abuse, including physical punishment and isolation. Natalia, however, declined to confirm or deny these claims in interviews.

With the help of Nicole DePaul and her daughter Mackenzie, Natalia executed her escape outside a church in Nashville.