
Teen & Young Adult Services

SCO supports the academic achievement and well-being of young people in all of our programs and we help with college, career preparation, and employment and life skills development. We work with young people to create strong connections to family, community and caring adults. We pay special attention to disconnected and at-risk youth who are homeless, court-involved, LGBTQ, aging out of foster care and young parents. And we offer specialized junior and senior high schools for teens with special needs, developmental disability, or who are under-credited and over age.
Jail-Based Program
Pre and Post Release Services
Our Jail-Based Program provides intensive programming services for justice-impacted young adults ages 18-21 who are currently in New York City Department of Corrections custody. The goal of the program is to reduce challenging behavior and recidivism by providing skill development, transition planning referrals, and workshops covering a variety of topics. Read More
SCO LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group
LGBTQ
Who: Any SCO youth 13+ who identifies as LGBTQAI+ What: The LGBTQ+ Support Group is a peer youth group for SCO’s youth who identify under the LGBTQAI+ umbrella. Meetings include community-related discussions where the youth are encouraged to share their experiences with the rest of the group. They… Read More
LGBTQ Residential Program
LGBTQ
We offer the only residential program in New York City for young people in care who identify as LGBTQ. Our programs provide 24-hour care in a uniquely affirming and healing environment where all youth are welcome and encouraged to live authentically in all aspects of their lives. We operate small… Read More
Community Supports for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges
Community Supports Health Home
Integrated community supports that help children (under 21) and their families with emotional and behaviorial health needs improve their health, well-being, and quality of life. Read More
Juvenile Justice Initiative – Queens
Multi-systemic Therapy
JJI works intensively with court-involved youth and their families in their homes throughout Queens to help change delinquent behavior. Read More
Juvenile Justice Initiative – Brooklyn
Multi-systemic Therapy
JJI works intensively with court-involved youth and their families in their homes throughout Brooklyn to help change delinquent behavior. Read More
Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program
Homeless Services Foster Care Transitional Housing
A program for young adults formerly in foster care, ages 18-25, that provides housing and case management support while young adults transition from foster care to independence Read More
Young Adult Workforce Program
Pre and Post Release Services
This program provides integrated therapeutic, educational, vocational, and supportive services to young adults on Riker’s Island prior to and after release. Read More
The Christopher School
Residential Programs Residential & Day Schools
A New York State certified special education school that provides a therapeutic and residential setting for children with developmental disabilities Read More
Independence Inns
Homeless Services Transitional Housing
The Independence Inns provide shelter and support for homeless and runaway youth, including young moms with children, to help them become self-sufficient. Read More
Bethany Program
Residential Foster Care
The Bethany Program consists of Group Residences that provide a supportive home environment for pregnant and parenting teens in foster care. Read More
Close to Home Residences
Residential Programs
Residences for adjudicated youth that provide intensive, wraparound services for both the youth and his/her family. Read More
Brooklyn Youth Center

Provides homeless and at-risk youth and their families with information and access to a variety of services and helps them find temporary housing. Read More
Theresa Paplin School
Residential & Day Schools
A New York State certified special education school that serves adolescents and young adults who live at our Ottilie Residential Treatment Facility or are referred by their school districts. Read More
Madonna Heights School
Residential & Day Schools
A New York State Regents junior/senior high school for adolescent girls who live on the Madonna Heights campus or are referred by their local school district. Read More
Tyree Learning Center
Residential & Day Schools
A New York State certified special education school for the children and adolescents with developmental disabilities who reside at The Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center. Read More
Bronx Arena High School
Transfer High Schools
A Transfer High School that provides intensive support to promote academic success among young people who are over age and under-credited Read More
East Brooklyn Community High School
Transfer High Schools Community School
A Transfer High School that provides intensive support to promote academic success among young people who are over age and under-credited Read More
North Queens Community High School
Transfer High Schools
A Transfer High School that provides intensive support to promote academic success among young people who are over age and under-credited Read More
Residential Living for Youth in Foster Care
Residential Foster Care
Group residences that provide a supportive home environment for youth in foster care who have multiple challenges including mental illness, substance abuse, alcoholism or delinquency. We also offer residential programs for young people who identify as LGBTQ as well as programs for youth with developmental disability and behavioral health conditions. Read More
Westbrook Preparatory School
Residential Programs Residential & Day Schools
The first residential New York State Regents junior/senior high school for students with Asperger syndrome, high functioning autism and related conditions. Read More
Care Management
Health Home
SCO helps manage and coordinate eligible children and young adults’ health care, behavioral health and service needs to make sure all needs are being met. Read More
SCO at East New York Middle School of Excellence
After-school Summer Programs After-School Community Schools
After school and summer enrichment services for middle school students include homework assistance, youth development, and weekly instruction in creative/visual arts, performing arts, STEM, literacy, and recreation. ENYMSE is a Community School project. Read More
SCO Beacon at MS 35
Community Centers After-school Summer Programs After-School
After school, summer camp, and community programming are offered at SCO’s Beacon Center at MS 35. Activities include academic enrichment, homework assistance, and weekly instruction in creative/visual arts, performing arts, STEM, literacy, and recreation. Read More

We help
1,100
children and young adults through foster care programs

96%
of 12th graders in Family Foster Care graduated high school; 61% are enrolled in post-secondary education