Ross’ Story

Ross, a former student at SCO’s Westbrook Preparatory School, is a motivated and engaging young man who has Asperger syndrome. “I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy,” says Ross. “On the other hand, sometimes I am unaware of other people’s feelings. I can be impulsive, and I do get overwhelmed. ”

Ross had difficulty adapting at his previous public school due to these challenges. However, Westbrook’s residential school setting gave Ross the opportunity to work on his social skills and develop strategies to help him avoid feeling overwhelmed.

One key element of life at Westbrook is the internship program. While students find comfort and build confidence living and learning with other teens who have similar challenges, they know that they need to prepare themselves to communicate and work well with all kinds of people. Ross’s first internship was at Sports Authority, and he held another at St. Brigid’s Elementary School Camp where he found talking with children about sports very rewarding.

His interest in sports led Ross to his next internship at WCWP 88.1 FM, the college radio station at CW Post. He ran the audio control sound board at sporting events, made guest appearances on a college sports talk show and researched sports information for use on air. He enjoyed his experience so much that he decided to study communications in college.

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Ottilie Residential Treatment Facility

The Ottilie Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) is located on six acres in the heart of Queens. It is the only OMH residential facility that exclusively serves adolescents and young adults with a serious emotional disturbance as well as developmental delays. The 24-hour facility provides the most intensive residential mental health services available outside of a hospital. The Ottilie RTF offers a highly structured, therapeutic setting that focuses on strengthening family connections, providing a trauma sensitive approach to treatment and preparing the youth to return to their communities. Residents attend the Theresa Paplin School, an ungraded, non-diploma bound New York State special education school.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Youth with SED needing a highly structured residential setting with all services on site.

Age Criteria

10 -21 years of age

How to Access this Program or Service

Referrals go through the Pre-Admission Certification Committee (PACC)

Success Stories

Ross’ Story

Westbrook Preparatory School

“I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy” Learn More

John Brown

"SCO has a direct impact on your neighbors." Learn More

4 out of 5

runaway or homeless youth leaving our transitional living programs are engaged in educational pursuits or gainful employment

96%

of 12th graders in SCO's Family Foster Care program graduated high school, with 65% enrolled in post-secondary education