GUIDE: An Artificial-Intelligence-Assisted, Network-Based Substance Use Program for Youth Who Experience Homelessness

Peer-based prevention models are difficult to design for high-risk adolescents such as homeless youth because models that only incorporate high-risk youth have the potential to enhance negative outcomes through "deviancy training." The prevalence of high-risk behaviors among these youth raises serious concerns about the potential for deviancy training. Effective peer-based models for adolescents require a blend of low-risk/pro-social peers and high-risk youth in prevention groups. The purpose of our project is to use an artificial intelligence (AI) aided decision tool known as GUIDE (GroUp-based Intervention DEcision aid for Risk Prevention among Homeless Youth) to reduce the problem of deviancy training among homeless youth.