Re: making friends
Meet the locals and improve their problems? Be friends with the parents first, then start up a community group project with either both parents and kids, or just the kids. Keep them constructively occupied e.g. help a neighbour in need day - get them to help neighbours buy gardening / help clear up trash etc. Plant things. Meet the animals day - find out about their neighbours animals (start with your cats!), teach them about animal welfare etc. Food day - everyone can make some food and have a little street party or something.
I know it's not easy to pull off, but it might help focus the kids on doing something constructive rather than destructive.