[LakeCleElum]

Although never a formal Mentor, I did deal with a lot of "at risk" youth during my career. A few thoughts:

Try to be paired up with as young of a candidate as possible. Young enough that you can have input to their values and before peer pressure takes over.

Be prepared to be disappointed no matter how hard you try.

Try to avoid becoming involved with a household that has a history of drug involvement.

Ask for complete disclosure of the parent(s) background.

Don't be too generous with money and gifts, you become a target to be taken advantage of. Example, maybe bring groceries to the house instead of giving cash.

Try to get the youth involved in team sports.

Mentor and be an example of traits like: Kindness, compassion, integrity, loyalty, communication, etc.

Be a friend and always there to talk thru issues/problems.

Don't be too "trusting" with the youth, his family or peers. Maintain your personal security.

Wishing you the best of luck and let us know how it progresses.