Fire Stoppers
of King County
Description of the Youth Firesetting Intervention Program
Fire Department Interventionist Forms
Program Overview
The issue of a child involved in any firesetting activity is one to be taken seriously and dealt with in the most effective means.
The Fire Stoppers program in
King County has been operating, studying and evaluating the issue of child set
fires for approximately 10 years. In this time, we have learned much about the
motivations behind fireplay and mis-use of fire by children. At this time a
countywide program offers help and support to the children and their families
involved in a firesetting incident.
There are many factors that contribute to this behavior: low understanding of what fire is really like, easy access to matches and lighters, lack of supervision, psychological factors, behavioral issues and home and family stress situations, to list a few. Understanding the reason for firesetting is usually the best way to stop it. The Fire Stoppers program conducts a standard interview designed to identify the level of concern the child is at with the firesetting behavior, provide valuable life saving education to the child and the family, and access quality mental health counseling services.
In 1999, Fire Stoppers of King County was designated a model juvenile firesetter intervention program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration. The success of this program is attributed to its strong coalition, inclusive of law enforcement, juvenile justice, fire service, mental health, business/non-profits, schools and media. Because of the seriousness of fireplay/firesetting and the tendency for the behavior to resurface at a later date, even if the child appears frightened or remorseful of the incident, it is essential that the safety needs of the family and community be given significant consideration and priority. With this in mind the approach to education, interview, assessment and treatment is done with a high degree of time, attention and concern.
Referral to the Program
A critical time period for involving families in the Fire Stoppers Program is within seven days of the incident. First responders to the incident, whether police or fire, are critical players in facilitating a prompt referral to the program. In 2000, referrals were made into the program by fire departments throughout King County. Children from two to 17 years of age are eligible.
For those children who are charged, referral into the program may happen by way of a diversion committee or by the court order of a judge. If the youth and family are responsible for making the arrangements, it is in their best interest to contact the fire department immediately in order to allow sufficient time to complete the diversion agreement or court ordered requirements.
Program Outline
The first appointment for a Fire Stopper’s intervention will be approximately 90 minutes in length at the servicing Fire Department. The Fire Department interventionist will interview the child and the child’s parent/caregiver. It is important to note that the Fire Stoppers program requires a parent/caregiver’s participation. The Fire Stoppers interventionist must have a parent/caregiver’s written consent to conduct the interview, provide education and make a referral to mental health services.
All interventions are conducted in a controlled environment. Interventionists throughout King County use the same interview form and process to insure consistency.
Confidentiality
The assessment process is confidential and the information gathered strictly controlled. Demographic information collected for research and funding purposes is not associated with a name. The parent prior to the intervention being conducted signs a release of information form. This authorizes the sharing of information with appropriate individuals/agencies, depending on the case, such as the child’s school, therapist, law enforcement officers, etc. Although all files are confidential, the court can subpoena records in certain cases.
Interview and Assessment
The child and family meet in a non-threatening and confidential atmosphere with their interventionist/s. Using a standardized interview format involving both the parent and the child, information is obtained about the child’s fire history, family situation, social environment and pertinent medical history. Based on this information, a determination is made as to the probable motivation for the fire incident and the child’s risk for continued firesetting.
Education
Fire safety education is provided to both the parent and the child throughout the interview process. Emphasis is placed on fire behavior; taking personal responsibility for safety, escape planning, match/lighter safety, smoke detectors and parental responsibility/liability. Parents are provided with a parenting handbook with detailed information on dealing with firesetting behavior. Homework is provided for the child and family to reinforce the concepts introduced during the assessment.
Mental Health Referrals
About 1/3 of children assessed score at a significant risk for repeat firesetting and are referred on for individual and family counseling. All counseling services are provided by Bellevue Community Services/CoHear, a private counseling agency contracted to the Fire Stoppers program. CoHear counselors specialize in working with families experiencing firesetting behavior. Up to eight hours of counseling services are provided. For those families not covered by insurance, Fire Stoppers provides the counseling at no cost.
Program Requirements
For those families who are not mandated to participate by Juvenile Justice, the Fire Stoppers program is completely voluntary. Successful completion of the program may be required by another agency, such as the school, for re-admission.
For children referred from Juvenile Justice, the first phase of the program is to complete a total of four hours of assessment and education. There is no charge for this portion of the program. The second phase of the program is referral to our mental health agency for continued assessment and treatment for up to 12 hours of service. During this phase education, psychosocial, family systems and correctional models will be provided. This multi-faceted approach allows for a more responsive treatment method that is effective in reducing the risk of future firesetting behaviors. This program is not offered in part for any reason, successful completion of both phases is required for all diversion and court-ordered children.
Program Costs
For families not referred by the juvenile court, there is no charge for any Fire Stoppers services. Those who are part of a diversion program or who are court ordered to complete the program receive no charge for the initial phase, which includes assessment and education. The second, or mental health, phase of the program does require payment. Mental health services for court-ordered children (which are mandatory) are offered on a sliding fee scale that will be discussed with the parent/caregiver. Insurance benefits may be utilized, when applicable.
Funding
Fire Stoppers of King County funding is used to assist the program in the following ways:
¦ To provide qualified mental health treatment for children who are determined to be at the greatest risk.
¦ To provide continued education for the interventionists
¦ To maintain communication with participating agencies, i.e. juvenile justice, mental health, law enforcement and fire service interventionists
¦ To assist in maintaining the follow-up process and data collection efforts
¦ To provide assistance with printing of handout materials used in the educational part of the program.
Funding for this program has come from a variety of organizations such as the King County Fire Marshal’s Office King County Human Resources Division and the King County Fire and Life Safety Association. In kind services and support have been received from a variety of fire departments throughout King County, CoHear, the insurance industry (WIC, State Farm, Pemco, Safeco and others), as well as, non-profit foundations such as SOS Fires and the Northwest Burn Foundation.