Colin Farrell Opens Up About Son’s Future Care

Colin Farrell recently shared why he wants his son James to receive professional care at a facility in the future — even though he could care for him at home.

A Rare Condition and Its Challenges

In August of last year, Farrell spoke for the first time about his son James Padraig Farrell, now 21. James lives with Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes developmental and intellectual delays.

Farrell told PEOPLE that he wishes the world would show more kindness and understanding toward individuals like his son. He also expressed frustration with the U.S. care system, which often withdraws services once a person turns 21.

Why He Believes in Professional Care

In a recent interview with Candis magazine, Farrell explained why he prefers that professionals care for James in the long term.

“It’s tricky,” he said. “Some parents say, ‘I want to care for my child myself.’ And I respect that. But my horror would be—what if I have a heart attack tomorrow? What if, God forbid, James’ mother Kim gets into a car accident too? Then James would be on his own, a ward of the state. We’d have no say in what happens to him.”

James Needs Genuine Connection

Farrell emphasized that James is deeply intuitive.

“He knows when someone truly wants to be with him. And he knows when they’re just supposed to be there,” he explained. “If a carer, teacher, or physical therapist isn’t fully present or loving, James will just shut down.”

Building a Community for His Son

Farrell and his ex-partner Kim Bordenave are planning for the future.

“We want to find a place we like — while we’re still alive and healthy — where James can live, and we can visit,” he said.

Their goal is simple: a full, connected, and joyful life for James.

“He needs more than we alone can offer,” Farrell said. “He deserves a community. A life where he can go out every day — to the store, the beach, the movies, museums — and feel truly part of something bigger.”