 Participants are randomized to either the peer mentoring program or a control condition a recreation program. Surveys are conducted at entry into the study, at 6 months, 1 year, and then annually for 2 years. Youths will also participate in focus groups. The surveys and focus groups will assess the youths psychological functioning, academic adjustment, alcohol and drug use, HIV risk behaviors, delinquentviolent behaviors, peer relationships, prosocial activities, and copingproblem-solving skills. The study will also evaluate family outcomes, including parentguardian functioning and improved permanency planning. 