Typical Firesetter Program Model

The goal of youth firesetters’ intervention programs is to provide a positive approach to stop youth firesetting through education and effective consequences. Intervention programs vary between offices, communities, and counties. However, a typical program is outlined below to give a general idea of what to expect from a youth firesetters’ intervention program.

1st Step – Identification 

• If a youth firesetter is identified and cited at the scene of a fire, an electronic or written referral form is submitted to the juvenile firesetter intervention program.
• Families can refer their own children directly into the program. Probation officers may refer youth into the program as well. Citizens who witness juvenile firesetting may also place a report with their local authorities.

2nd Step – Determination of Appropriate Program 

• If the fire was set intentionally by a child of age 8 to 18 years old, and they are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, they will traditionally be referred into the juvenile court system.
• First time offenses of intentionally set fires are typically mandated to an intervention program. Programs cover both fire safety education as well as the consequences of firesetting. Counseling is also available/and or required in many cases.
• If a fire was set accidentally, due to curiosity and negligence, the child is not typically mandated to the juvenile court system, but required to attend a youth firesetter intervention classes on a voluntary basis.
• Families that are referred are usually interviewed by phone by fire department personnel to determine the severity of the problem. It is then determined whether the child should attend the intervention classes, or if in a crisis situation, should be referred to a mental health professional.

• Program goals are to prevent future firesetting through education. Class curriculums focus on the responsibilities associated with firesetting, the effects on the fire services, the consequences, and the state arson and fireworks laws. Programs often focus on teaching the child to be responsible for fire safety in their own home, thus encouraging productive behavior. The program usually involves voluntary attendance in multiple sessions and can include homework.
• Although juveniles and families are interviewed and enter the system fairly rapidly, completion of a typical program can take up to six months based on what the appropriate length of training and counseling is for their individual needs.