The actor has set up this foundation in honour of his eldest son James, who has Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder. James' mother is Kim Bordenave, Farrell's former partner.
Colin Farrell spoke about this foundation in an on-camera interview, where he shared his experiences of being a parent of an adult child with special needs. The actor is the president of the foundation, with his sister Claudine Farrell as vice president.
"I'm proud of him every day, because I just think he's magic", Farrell stated, adding that James and other young adults with special needs have "earned the right to have a greater degree of individuality and autonomy on life, and a greater degree of community".
"This is the first time I've spoken about it, and obviously the only reason I'm speaking is I can't ask James if he wants to do this".
"I mean, I can. I speak to James as if he's 20 and has perfect fluency with the English language and age-appropriate cognitive ability. But I can't discern a particular answer from him as to whether he's comfortable with all this or not, so I have to make a call based on knowing James's spirit and what kind of young man he is and the goodness that he has in his heart", he added.
Elsewhere, Colin Farrell has said that he wanted for many years "to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve, basically the assistance in all areas of life".
He also added "that if James knew getting his photograph in the back garden with me, which is not my favourite thing to do, if us doing this could help families and other young adults who live with special needs, he would say, 'Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It's a no-brainer'".
"So that's why we're doing it," he continued. "This is all because of James - it's all in his honour".
Farrell concluded: "It's a terrifying thought that I'll miss the last, you know, 40 years or 50 years of his life. Yeah, just 'cause I won't be there to shepherd and protect".
"But what would the perfect [alternative be?] You know, just a life of connection. And so, James's last 20, 30, 40, 10 years of James's life, he'll be somewhere where he feels like he belongs. Where he feels like he's safe and where he can garden and watch movies and swim in the pool and go out to the beach, and just have a full and meaningful and connected life. That'd be the dream".
The Colin Farrell Foundation's website, colinfarrellfoundation.org, have said that this organisation is "committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs".
