Juvenile Fire-Setting: A Review of Treatment Programs

Abstract

The current paper provides a review of the literature on juvenile fire-setting, focusing on psychological contributions to the assessment and treatment of this population. The paper discusses research on the actions associated with deliberately lit fires by juveniles, as well as the psychological characteristics of the perpetrators. International perspectives on intervention are reviewed, and in conclusion the paper highlights the need to develop standardised protocols for intervention, which include a systematic assessment strategy for identifying high risk individuals, as well as a structured evidence-based approach to treatment incorporating psychological and fire-educational components.

Key words:

• juveniles
• fire-setting
• treatment
• assessment