Conduct problems and a poor relationship with the caregiver were more prevalent among youth who reported higher levels of substance use. High levels of problem behavior increased the likelihood of substance use; whereas high caregiver monitoring decreased the likelihood of substance use. School achievement and engagement did not vary by substance use. Being neglected was linked with a lower likelihood of substance use compared to being physically abused. Seventy-one percent of the 1,179 youth in the national sample reported no substance use; 20 percent reported low levels of substance use; and approximately 9 percent reported moderate to high levels of use. Substance use was similar across placement types. Data for the study were obtained from NSCAW, the first national longitudinal probability study of child welfare to collect extensive data from children, caregivers, teachers, and child welfare workers. The sample was selected from 92 primary sampling units proportionate to caseload size in 97 counties in 36 States. Face-to-face interviews were conducted from 3 to 6 months after the maltreatment investigation. Findings from these interviews were the focus of the current study. The variables measured pertained to demographics, child maltreatment type, youth substance use, individual characteristics, family characteristics, and placement type. 4 tables and 47 references