National Juvenile Firesetter/Arson Control and Prevention Program Assessment Report Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 121838
• Author(s): R Cook; R Hersch; J Gaynor; J Roehl
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 19 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This executive summary of the National Juvenile Firesetter/Arson Control and Prevention Program Assessment Report summarizes the results of Stage I of a four-stage program, the assessment of the incidence and dynamics of juvenile firesetting and juvenile firesetter programs.

Abstract

A review of the literature focuses on definitions of terms ("fire interest," "fireplay," "firesetting," and "arson"), the magnitude of the juvenile arson problem, and conceptual frameworks. Based upon a variety of sources, the literature review concludes that juvenile fireplay and firesetting is a significant problem, requiring prevention and early intervention. Many of the conceptual frameworks reviewed are rooted in social learning theory, which emphasizes the role of the child's environment, particularly family and peers, on behavior. Tables profile child firesetters ages 13 and under and adolescent firesetters ages 14-18. An overview of juvenile firesetter programs nationwide focuses on their administration and staffing, population served, program strategies, assessment, education, counseling, restitution, and referral. A discussion of central issues and promising strategies with a view toward prototype development considers as central issues program effectiveness, types of juvenile firesetters referred to the program, types of prevention/intervention services, and relationship to the justice system. Components of prototype programs are listed. 8 references.