The Curious and Unresolved Case of Natalia Grace Barnett's Contested Adoption

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace Barnett

In 2010, Kristine and Michael Barnett adopted a 6-year-old Ukrainian girl named Natalia Grace. The Indiana couple believed they were providing a loving home for a child in need. But the story of Natalia Grace Barnett soon took a bizarre and troubling turn. Within two years, the Barnetts came to believe that Natalia was not a child at all, but rather an adult woman posing as an orphan. The allegations of an "impostor child" set off a media firestorm and criminal investigation that remains unresolved to this day.

The Adoption of Natalia Grace

Natalia Grace, born Natalia Nikolaevna Grace, was adopted in 2010 from an orphanage in Ukraine. Natalie was brought to the United States using a program called the Ukrainian Adoption Program. This program was set up to help find loving American families for older Ukrainian orphans who were less likely to be adopted.

Kristine and Michael Barnett were eager to adopt an older child. They already had two sons, but wanted to expand their family. In 2009, Kristine Barnett filed a petition to adopt Natalia Grace. At the time, Natalia was presumed to be around 6 years old.

When Natalia arrived in the U.S., she exhibited some behavioral problems and challenges. Kristine Barnett, who herself uses a wheelchair due to arthrogryposis, was told that Natalia had a rare form of dwarfism that would prevent her from growing. Despite the challenges, the Barnetts went through with the adoption, excited to welcome Natalia to their family.

Concerns Arise About Natalia's True Age

Within two years of the adoption, the Barnetts began raising concerns about Natalia's age and behavior. They reported that Natalia had public outbursts and displayed inappropriate sexual tendencies for a young child. She did not seem to bond with the family and resisted their parental care.

In 2011, the Barnetts took Natalia to see specialists at the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. After conducting bone density tests, doctors estimated Natalia's true age was likely closer to 14 or 15 years old, rather than 6 or 7. The results revealed that Natalia had gone through puberty and was likely a teenager.

Shocked by this news, Kristine Barnett looked closer at photos of Natalia from the Ukrainian orphanage and noticed she looked exactly the same now as she did then. Kristine came to believe Natalia had been posing as a young child when she was actually much older. She accused Natalia of being a dangerous impostor sent to infiltrate their family.

The Barnetts Legally Change Natalia's Age

In 2012, Kristine and Michael Barnett filed a petition with Marion County Superior Court to change Natalia's age from 8 to 22 years old. Kristine claimed this change reflected Natalia's adult teeth and pubic hair development. The court approved the age change, legally making Natalia an adult.

With Natalia now considered an adult woman by the state, the Barnetts rented her an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana. They paid the rent on the apartment but otherwise left her on her own. Shortly after, they moved the rest of the family to Canada so that their son Jacob could study astrophysics.

The Abandonment of Natalia Grace

In 2013,Michael Barnett stopped paying rent on Natalia's apartment. Natalia told neighbors she had been abandoned by her adoptive parents and surrendered herself to a local Christian ministry. The police got involved but did not press any charges against the Barnetts at that time.

In September 2019, Kristine and Michael Barnett were charged with two counts of felony neglect. Prosecutors allege they abandoned their daughter Natalia in an apartment when she was only 9 years old, left her there, and fled to Canada.

The Barnetts claim they were victims of a fraud, arguing that Natalia misrepresented herself as a child when she was in fact an adult con artist. But Natalia maintains she is and has always been a child who was callously abandoned by the people meant to care for her.

The Trial of Kristine and Michael Barnett

Kristine and Michael Barnett turned themselves in to authorities in September 2019. They were released on bail and plead not guilty to the charges against them. If convicted, they face between 2 and 12 years in prison for each count.

Natalia Grace, now around 19 years old, is seeking restitution from the Barnetts and pushing for them to be brought to justice. She just wants people to know her side of the story and the reality of what she suffered as a child.

This unusual case brings up complex questions about how to determine a child's age and who should be held responsible when an adoption goes wrong. As of January 2024, the trial of Kristine and Michael Barnett is still ongoing. The public awaits more answers about what really happened to Natalia Grace.

The Impact and Legacy of the Case

Regardless of the trial's outcome, the story of Natalia Grace Barnett has cast light on the vulnerability of adopted children. It highlights the need for adoptive parents to receive proper training and oversight.

Natalia's alleged experience has fueled calls for reforms to the international adoption process. Advocates say more safeguards are needed to prevent neglect and make sure children's rights are upheld.

Many hope Natalia's story will encourage other abandoned adoptees to come forward and get help. While the Barnett case remains disputed, it has opened up a conversation about protecting at-risk children.

This unusual adoption saga shows how even well-meaning parents can end up harming kids in their care. Let #JusticeForNatalia stand as a reminder that when it comes to vulnerable children, we must remain vigilant and human. If true justice exists, it will be found in creating a world where no child feels deserted or unwanted ever again.

FAQs

What happened when the Barnetts adopted Natalia Grace?

In 2010, Kristine and Michael Barnett adopted 6-year-old Natalia Grace from an orphanage in Ukraine and brought her back to their home in Indiana.

When did the Barnetts start doubting Natalia's age?

In 2011, after taking Natalia to specialists, the Barnetts were told that bone density tests showed Natalia was likely between 14-15 years old, not 6 or 7.

How did the Barnetts legally change Natalia's age?

In 2012, the Barnetts filed a petition with the court to legally change Natalia's age from 8 to 22 years old, which the court approved.

What happened after they changed Natalia's age?

The Barnetts rented an apartment for Natalia but stopped paying rent in 2013 and moved the rest of the family to Canada, essentially abandoning her when she was around 9 years old.

What is the current status of the case?

In 2019, the Barnetts were charged with neglect. They plead not guilty and the criminal trial is still ongoing as of 2024.