The Youth Firesetting Program is a program of education and evaluation. It is designed to teach children and parents that matches and lighters are tools, not toys. Any child who demonstrates interest or curiosity about fire should be provided with information and education as soon as possible. If your child sets a fire, the reason for setting the fire needs to be determined. Our staff is able to conduct an evaluation interview with both parent(s) and child, to help determine why the child is interested in fire.
In most cases, we find that the child is demonstrating a natural "curiosity" about fire. We bombard the children with mixed messages about fire when they are very young. We celebrate birthdays by lighting candles on a birthday cake, and having the child blow out candles. Fire is often used to create a sense of excitement in the television and movie industry. When dealing with a "curiosity" firesetter, educational intervention usually proves to be effective. The child and parent may need additional services or psychological evaluation.
There are also other reasons for a child to be fascinated and involved with fire. In some of the cases, the child may be attempting to "cry out for help", an attempt to get attention. In some other cases, the child may be attempting to act out "destructively", or harm themselves or others. In these cases we find that the child and parent benefit by speaking with mental health professionals. We can help provide the family with direction in meeting with competent counselors to help further address the underlying problem of firesetting.