Introduction to Child & Adolescent Firesetting
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Transcript of Introduction to Child & Adolescent Firesetting
{
Introduction
to Child &
Adolescent
Firesetting
Lisa Van HornSeattle Fire Department, Fire Prevention DivisionSOS FIRES, Youth Intervention Programs
WashingtonSafety Summit
2013
The Problem Fire and burns are the leading causes of unintentional home
injury death for 1 to 14 year olds, and the second leading
cause of death for children less than one. (Burn Institute, 2009)
There were an estimated 13,900 child-play structure fires
reported in 2002, with 210 deaths, 1,250 injuries, and $339
million in direct damage. (U.S. Fire Administration, 2006)
The Problem
Over 50% of all arrests for arson in the United States involve juveniles under the age of 18 (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2007).
Of those juveniles arrested for arson, 33% were under the age of 15 (OJJDP, 2007).
The Problem
Property damage from juvenile-set structure fires was $328 million during 2006 (NFPA, 2009).
School fires account for over $200 million loss annually. More than half are intentionally set (NFPA, 2009).
The bigger the fire, the more serious the firesetting. Juveniles who set fires are pyromaniacs. Juveniles who set fires have an urge or obsession with fire or
deep emotional problems. Firesetting is related to bedwetting and cruelty to animals. Firesetting is a difficult behavior to treat. Playing with fire is a normal part of a child’s development
that they will grow out of (boys will be boys) Punishing or scaring juveniles will make them stop playing
with fire.
Common Myths & Misunderstandings
None of the above statements are accurate assumptions.
Characteristics of Firesetting
Gender Mostly males (>75%) Increasing percentage
for females 13-17 years
AgeAny, but spikes at: Mid-late toddlerhood (3-5)—increased
cognitive curiosity, motor skill development, power struggles w/parents
Early adolescence (12-15)—experimental behavior, peer influence, independence through defying authority
Characteristics of Firesetting
Family Characteristics
Any, but greater likelihood of:
Minimal problem-solving abilities.
Lack of structure & rule enforcement in the home.
Greater chance of parental discord.
Higher levels of problem history
(domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse).
Characteristics of Firesetting
Psychiatric Diagnosis (DSM-IV, APA 1994*)
Firesetting may occur more often in children with:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Conduct Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS
*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)American Psychiatric Association, 1994
Characteristics of Firesetting
A Note About Typology
No consistent “profile” has been found of a child or
adolescent who sets fires. It can be any child.
There is considerable diversity among the children, and their families, who are involved in
firesetting behavior.
Typologies are best viewed as a way of framing the possible motivation for
firesetting, and organizing the proper intervention
response.
Typologies are not particularly useful in an intervention
program protocol. Response designators of “simple” and
“complex” may be more appropriate.
Firesetting Typologies
Curiosity
Expressive
Delinquent
Strategic
Pathological
Characteristics Often preschool and elementary age children. The most common firesetting typology All family types, ethnicity, socio-economic levels Motivation is curiosity and experimentation.
Curiosity Firesetting
Influencing Factors: Exposure to fire activity (caregivers may
smoke, use a fireplace, etc.) Access to fire starting materials Lack of supervision Lack of structured time Lack of fire safety education Parenting abilities may be limited
Curiosity Firesetting
Behavior exhibited: Typically use matches or lighters Burn items easily found in the home Younger children set fires in hidden locations (closet, under
bed). May try to extinguish (older) or ignore (younger) the fire. Without intervention, will often repeat the behavior.
Curiosity Firesetting
SeattleFire set by five year old boy playing with novelty lighter while mother slept. Eight people displaced.
SeattleDouble fatality fire by five year old boy playing with lighter while mother slept.
SeattleFire caused by teen lighting fireworks outside a family home daycare.
Expressive Firesetting
Characteristics: All ages, but usually pre-teen or older All family types, ethnicity, socio-
economic levels Motivators-psychological pain, anger,
revenge, need for attention.
Influencing Factors: Limited family support
and/or involvement Recent stress or crisis Access to matches/lighters Inappropriate supervision Unable to identify or
express feelings in constructive manner
Lack of problem solving skills
Expressive Firesetting
Behavior exhibited: May be multiple, progressive firesetting Often have little remorse May or may not try to put the fire out May lie about or deny involvement Fires may be symbolic of the situation
Expressive Firesetting
SeattleBed fire set by young boy assessed with complex firesetting behavior.
SeattleHouse fire started by 14 year old girl with gasoline in response to family situation.
SeattleSchool fires, seemingly minor, started by youths later assessed as complex firesetters with significant emotional issues. Referred for psychological evaluation and mental health follow-up.
Characteristics Usually teenaged Often carry a lighter at all
times for no good reason Fire may involve
accelerant/flammable liquids
Commonly seen as school fires, dumpsters, fireworks
Delinquent Firesetting
Influencing Factors: Limited family support and/or involvement Often risk-takers or kids who complain of being
bored Lack good judgment and social skills There is often peer pressure or peer involvement--
may brag about it Don’t understand the possible legal consequences.
Delinquent Firesetting
School dumpster fire
Flammable liquid fire
SeattleGroup of adolescent boys shot a bottle rocket onto neighbor’s front porch.
SeattlePort-a-potty fire
Strategic Firesetting
Characteristics Usually teenaged May use fire to get even or to
attack someone—premeditated. Usually in trouble at home,
school and work Uncooperative, no remorse Set to harm or destroy, often well
planned and sophisticated. Often associated with peers or
gangs. May have police record.
SeattleIntentionally set fire on porch of targeted household.
SeattleStolen vehicle fire. Likely juvenile gang related.
Pathological Firesetting
Characteristics Usually teenaged Rare, with medical or neurological considerations Usually long history of firesetting and psycho-social problems Often methodical and purposeful fires May show a distinctive pattern, even ritualistic Often proud of it, and will gladly show their scars May have many fire-related materials like matches, lighters,
candles, etc. Social problems, difficulty establishing relationships May present as expressive firesetter when young
What Works to Stop
Firesetting?
Things we know that don’t stop firesetting
Seattle’sInterventionModel
EffectiveIntervention
to stop firesetting behavior
IDENTIFY YOUTHwho show unsafe fire behavior
Perform an accurate FIRE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Involve a COMMUNITY NETWORK of referral sources & service providers.
Provide quality FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION.
Provide qualityBEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
Conduct follow-ups to TRACK RESULTS.
05
101520253035404550
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Recidivism Rate
Assessments
COMMONFACTORSaddressed with fire safety education
Low or inaccurateFIRE KNOWLEDGE
Lack of FIRE SAFETY information
Awareness of CONSEQUENCES
Responsible choice-making skills
SHOULD BE
FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION
Appropriate for age & developmental level
Do-able & targeted to knowledge gaps
Relevant to the learners
Culturally competent
Focused on improving fire safety
Provide the tools to learn & practice fire safety
CHALLENGE?
Lisa Van HornSeattle.gov/fire