Juvenile Firesetters Intervention Programs and Resources
Information and Resources For: National Center for State Courts Department of Children and Family Services Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs National Criminal Justice Reference Service Article on Juvenile Firesetting Trends Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Article on Juvenile Arson - (FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin April 2005)
"Children Playing With Fire" research article on the NFPA website as follows:
Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Training: The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy is offering the National Fire Academy courses: Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist I and II. The JFIS I JFIS I JFIS II Children Playing With Fire Caused 176 Fires, 2 Civilian Deaths & $1.6 Million Each year, many fires are started by children ages 3-7 who are merely curious about fire. From 2003 through 2007, there were 912 juvenile-set fires reported in Massachusetts. These fires caused 53 civilian and 40 firefighter injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $9.5 million. Over half, 54%, of these fires were started by children playing with matches and lighters. Juvenile firesetting intervention programs tell us that this number is far below the real number of fires set by juveniles. Children tell us that they set many “small” or other fires before the fire that brings them to the attention of authorities. Whether a child is merely curious about fire, making a cry for help or engaging in delinquent behavior, it is extremely dangerous for children to play with fire. Children who play with fire can be helped, but they must receive the right kind of help. It is not a phase that they will grow out of, it is not a matter of boys being boys or yelling at them or burning their fingers or other such methods. The reason a child plays with fire must be addressed. Each child must be evaluated and given the correct intervention treatment program. Treatment programs vary, typically containing one or more of the following components: education, psychological treatment or community service. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in Massachusetts Fire Fighters and Police officers are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect by statute (Massachusetts General Law CH 119-section 51A). Often times, in the performance of their duties they are called on to suppress or investigate fires that involve children who have been victimized by these fires. On some occasions, these children have caused the fires. If as a mandated reporter, you have questions about what constitutes abuse or neglect of children or your responsibilities as a mandated reporter-please go to the Department of Social Services Website. To report possible child abuse or neglect in Massachusetts, you must first file an oral report by calling the Child-at-Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200 to notify the appropriate area office of the Department of Social Services(DSS). Even if you complete the 51A Report Form, you must also first phone DSS directly or the Child-at-Risk Hotline. For information on how to report child abuse and neglect outside of Massachusetts, please call the National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD. For information about available programs and resources please contact Sergeant Paul Zipper at the Department of Fire Services at email address: Paul.Zipper@dfs.state.ma.us or by phone Monday through Friday 9 to 5 at (978) 567-3310.
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