The Turbulent Journey of Natalia Grace: Now Living with a New Family

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The complex saga of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan at the heart of a bizarre adoption case, continues to unfold as she navigates her life after leaving her adoptive families. After a series of allegations of abuse from both her previous families, Natalia is now living with the DePaul family, which she hopes will provide her with a stable environment.

Natalia Grace was first adopted from Ukraine in 2008 by a New Hampshire couple, the Ciccones, who relinquished custody within a year due to her reported disruptive behavior. Soon after, she was adopted in 2010 by Indiana couple Kristine and Michael Barnett. Initially, the Barnetts believed Natalia to be around six years old. However, they soon began to express concerns regarding her age and behavior.

In a shocking turn, two years after adopting her, the Barnetts petitioned the court to legally change Natalia’s age from eight to twenty-two, citing signs of puberty and unusual behavior as evidence. This change allowed the couple to move to Canada while leaving Natalia alone in an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana.

“This one little piece of paper throws every single lie that the Barnetts have said right into the trash with a match,” Natalia remarked in the recent docuseries ‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace,’ highlighting the findings of a DNA test disproving the Barnetts’ claims that she was an adult posing as a child.

The story emphasizes the ongoing controversy surrounding her past. After leaving the Barnetts, Natalia moved in with Cynthia and Antwon Mans, who adopted her in 2023. However, allegations emerged regarding physical abuse amid restrictions placed on her communications with friends and a boyfriend.

In a surprising turn of events, Natalia left the Manses in late 2023 and is now thriving with the DePaul family. Nicole and Vince DePaul, a couple with dwarfism who had previously attempted to adopt her, provided Natalia with an escape plan. Nicole recalled the emotional moment of picking Natalia up: “It was an emotional time. I had to spread my wings,” Natalia explained, expressing her relief at moving to a safer environment.

The DePauls report that living with Natalia has not been without its challenges as she adjusts to her new life after experiencing trauma. “At first it was bumpy because the Mans were still involved. They were calling Natalia constantly,” Nicole explained. Despite their past, the couple aims to support Natalia’s independence and growth.

Natalia is now focused on her education, studying for her GED and pursuing her goal of becoming a teacher. Additionally, she cherishes the time spent listening to music, learning to drive, and fostering her relationship with her boyfriend, Neil.

“It’s a blessing to be alive today because looking back at my seven-year-old self, I should have been dead,” Natalia stated. “Learning everything about how to live with my dwarfism—it’s been a great experience.”

As the docuseries continues to attract attention, the new Hulu series ‘Good American Family’ dramatizes the events surrounding Natalia’s tumultuous experiences, though many viewers are left questioning the accuracy of the portrayed narratives.

“I’m really just trying to take control of my life and stop letting other people control it. This new version of myself feels amazing—feels free,” Natalia declared, a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity.