SOS FIRES: Youth Intervention Programs The Youth Firesetting Intervention Resource Site
Children and fire, a dangerous and sometimes deadly mix. Why does this happen? What is it that brings the two together? Why is it happening with such alarming frequency? Could it be something as simple as a lack of knowledge or is it more complex in nature? Is a child's misuse of fire a cry for help, a reaction to some negative aspect of their life, a means of control, or part of a behavior disorder (such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)? Could the problem really stem from the caregivers lack of parenting skill and knowledge, or could it be the influence of our society and its views about fire?
Whatever the reason, the question remains "Why?" It is obvious that there are many influential pieces to consider when assembling this behavioral puzzle. SOS FIRES: Youth Intervention Programs has taken on the challenge to research these complex issues, answer some of the questions, and bring to the forefront information for those individuals who strive to better understand, and ultimately deal with, the juvenile firesetting problem in North America and around the globe.
There are many compelling reasons why a focused effort should be made to understand the youth firesetting problem. First and foremost is cost.
The cost of child-set fires is too high. The cost in lost lives (most often the lives of the children setting the fires), the cost of the damaged property, and the cost to the community because of the increasing resources needed to deal with this problem.
But there are other costs, costs that are often overlooked. The impact on the mental well-being of the individuals who must deal with the aftermath of a firesetting tragedy can be devastating. This can affect not only the individual, but the individual's organization and their family. And do not forget the thankless efforts of those who work in the many youth firesetter programs across the country.
Changing societal behavior and response to a problem such as youth firesetting takes time, vision, and commitment. But, like all other societal problems, it takes funding. Funding is difficult to obtain when little information is known about a problem. SOS FIRES, through the comprehensive data collection system they support, hopes to gather the necessary information to impact this dangerous behavior.
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