NCJ Number
99837
Date Published
1985
Length
132 pages
Annotation
Based on 1983 hearings conducted by California's Joint Committee on Fire, Police, Emergency, and Disaster Services, this report on juvenile firesetters surveys classification systems, statistics, and treatment approaches with attention to the National Firehawk Foundation.
Abstract
Juvenile firesetters generally are classified by age and motive -- whether they set a fire out of curiosity or are seriously disturbed or stressed. The report reviews more complex classification systems along with treatment approaches. It emphasizes that data on the extent, impact, and cause of juvenile arson are severely limited. Contributing factors to this problem are inadequacies in fire reporting systems and underreporting of juvenile-set fires. Research and practice suggest that public education and counseling are effective with curiosity seekers, while one-to-one counseling and attention is more appropriate for other types of firesetters. The report includes a description of the National Firehawk Foundation's program and recommendations. Transcript of the hearing and 38 footnotes.