Coffee Break Training: Identification of Juveniles Involved in Firesetting   [open pdf - 101KB]

"There are multiple ways that juveniles involved in fire incidents come to the attention of a youth firesetting prevention and intervention program, including parents and caregivers; schools; law enforcement, juvenile justices, courts and attorneys; mental health agencies; social and child protective services; and the fire service. Once the juvenile has been identified, the pathway to intervention depends on a number of factors. 1. Immediate referral: Mandates may require immediate referral to the local justice system if there is a violation of local, state or federal law. […] 2. The age of the juvenile: This is known as the age of accountability. Depending upon the state, the age of accountability may vary. […] 3. The nature and severity of the fire: Those youths who commit firesetting acts that result in large dollar loss and/or loss of life may be referred to the juvenile justice system before any firesetting intervention takes place. […] 4. The firesetting history of the juvenile: Many youth firesetting prevention and intervention programs have strict guidelines on disposition of first-time firesetting versus repeat firesetting. […] 5. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard operating guidelines (SOGs): It is essential that all personnel who have the potential to interact with a youth and his or her family have a basic understanding of SOPs or SOGs of the youth firesetting prevention and intervention program."