Natalia Grace in Good American Family: Who Is She and What Is Her Real Story?

Natalia Grace Barnett, a Ukrainian orphan with a rare form of dwarfism, became the center of a shocking and controversial legal battle that raised unsettling questions about adoption, identity, and alleged deception. Now, as her story gets told on the Good American Family show, many are asking: who is she, and what is the real truth behind her case?

The Adoption & Age Controversy

Born in Ukraine in 2003, Natalia was first adopted by Dyan and Gary Ciccone in 2008 before they relinquished their parental rights. In 2010, she was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett, an Indiana couple with three sons. The Barnetts initially believed she was around six or seven years old, but they soon became suspicious of her age, citing physical traits such as pubic hair, adult teeth, and claims that she had a menstrual cycle. (via PEOPLE & USA Today)

According to Michael Barnett, a doctor allegedly told them that Natalia was a "sociopath" and a "con artist." The Barnetts claimed she displayed violent behavior, including attempting to harm their biological children and trying to poison Kristine. 

In 2012, the couple petitioned a Marion County court to legally change Natalia’s birth year from 2003 to 1989- effectively making her a 22-year-old adult. This controversial ruling was made despite medical reports allegedly indicating she was still a child.

Abandonment & Legal Battle

In 2013, the Barnetts moved Natalia into an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana, and then relocated to Canada, allegedly leaving her to fend for herself. The following year, she was evicted and reported the situation to authorities.

The Barnetts were later charged with child neglect, but Michael was acquitted in 2022, and charges against Kristine were dropped in 2023. Throughout the case, Natalia has consistently denied the Barnetts’ accusations, maintaining that she was a child at the time of her adoption.

A new Family & more Controversy

After her abandonment, Natalia was taken in by Antwon and Cynthia Mans, a couple with 10 children who later legally adopted her in 2023. However, their relationship soon soured, with Antwon calling documentary producers to say, "Something ain’t right with Natalia." 

Conflicts arose over her long-distance relationship with a man in the UK and other disagreements, leading Natalia to leave and move in with Nicole and Vince DePaul—who had previously attempted to adopt her.

Where is Natalia now?

Now 21 years old, Natalia is working towards independence, learning to drive, and studying for her GED. Speaking with People in January 2025, she reflected on her tumultuous journey: "It’s been a big learning curve for me. For the most part, I’ve made peace. It is definitely a blessing to be alive today."

Her story, full of twists, legal battles, and unanswered questions, continues to captivate audiences. The debate over her true age and what really happened with the Barnetts remains unresolved.

Where can you Watch Good American Family?

New episodes of Good American Family are available to stream every Wednesday on Hulu. The third episode titled, “Ghosts Everywhere” will air on March 26, 2025.