General Information
It is important for health care providers to know that children who start fires can attend a Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention program in their area. These programs are available throughout Minnesota.
It is also important to know that mental health care providers are in integral part of the program. When a child starts a fire there is often more going on with them, whether it is a crisis in the home or crisis in their life such as bullying or teasing.
Having someone to talk to about the problem is critical since the behavior typically continues without proper intervention.
Help is Available
Youth Firesetter Helpline: 1-800-500-8897
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division has developed this helpline
as an opportunity for citizens to find the help they need to curb
firesetting by juveniles. A simple call will get help on the way. The
incoming call will be answered by an automated system, and then reviewed
by a deputy state fire Marshal. The deputy will then forward the case to a local authority for assistance.
If you feel yourself or others are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Intervention Assistance
If you are treating a child who exhibits firesetting behavior, contact Doug Johnson to coordinate educational intervention.
Email him or call 763-280-4609. If you need clinical assistance please
email Jerrod Brown or call 651-734-5517.
Training
Intervention specialist and program manager training is available. Learn more in the
training section of our website.
Online Education and Information
Webinar
This two-hour free webinar presented by Jerrod Brown discusses youth firesetting clinical and forensic considerations.
Research
Several articles are available from
YFIRES -- a non-profit organization which develops and supports a wide range of intervention, communication, and training for service providers of fire involved youth -- about youth-set fires.
Articles and Newsletters
This article about counseling children who play with fire is helpful and informative.
This article will help you understand the relationship between youth firesetting and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Here is an article to help you with screening, assessment and intervention when working with a client who starts fires.
More
For more activities and ideas, go to our useful links page. You can find it in the gray box on the left side of this page.
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