Fatu’s Story

At 19, Fatu’s future looks bright. She plans to go to Monroe College in the fall to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’s currently going to school and working full-time as a paralegal at Queens Defenders, which provides free services to low-income people. Not long ago, she was a recipient of those services.

You see, the future did not always look so bright for Fatu. When she came to live in one of SCO’s residences for youth in foster care in 2018, she had had a difficult childhood, and she’d been in trouble with the law.

When Fatu was 12, her mother returned to their native Liberia with her younger brother, leaving Fatu with an abusive family friend in Queens. She eventually ran away, joined a gang and got into trouble.

When she first came to SCO, Fatu was confrontational with staff and other residents. But despite her rocky start at her new home, SCO staff has been behind her since day one. They encouraged her to further her education and pursue her GED. They showed her the right way to do things, and most of all, they showed her they cared.

Fatu’s former Queens Defenders lawyer, Anthony Martone, played a pivotal role in her turnaround. He saw her potential and went the extra mile to help her by initiating an internship program at the firm for past clients who’ve been through the juvenile justice system. Fatu was the first intern and became the first full-time hire from the program.

Fatu is positive, respectful, and focused. She loves her job and it has inspired her to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Her turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous, and it serves as an inspiration to other youth. Fatu is living proof of what is possible with a positive attitude, hard work, perseverance, and the help of caring adults who never stop believing in you.

See Fatu’s story in THE CITY.

(Photo: Ben Fractenberg-THE CITY)

Corporate Compliance

SCO Family of Services is a human services organization committed to the highest standards of integrity and honesty in our business dealings. As part of our ongoing commitment to embody and promote the highest ethical standards, we have established a Corporate Compliance Program.

This program furthers the integrity and ethics of SCO Family of Services which has as its mission helping New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future. It promotes adherence to laws, regulation and the agency’s internal policies. It is also designed to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the delivery of our services.

SCO Family of Services’ Compliance Officer is responsible for implementing the program and can be reached at (516) 953-1958. While we encourage and prefer direct communication with our Compliance Office, you may also call our Compliance Hotline at (866) 350-9213. Should you want your name to be held in confidence, we will honor your request. You may also lodge your concerns anonymously.

We thank you in advance for taking the time to review our Corporate Compliance Program.

Click here to view our Corporate Compliance Program.

Carlos’ Story

A world of opportunity through resilience, focus, and assistance from SCO College Specialists

Read Carlos’ Story

Fatu’s Story

Changing her trajectory - anything is possible when others believe in you

Read Fatu’s Story

88%

of young adults in foster care (18+) are enrolled in school or working

Support Our Mission

With your gift, you can help strengthen New York families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.

Donate Now

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to the SCO Newsletter to hear the latest on SCO’s programs, people, and happenings.