Boys from ages 6-18 do have some degree of interest in combustibles
from fire to guns to home made explosives. Curiosity is natural. The
culture is saturated with images and depictions from TV to movies to
video games. An unusual interest and certainly hording materials and
actually setting fires is very serious, going beyond the norm.
http://www.focusas.com/Firesetting.html
"About one in every four fires is intentionally set -- and almost half
of these fires was set by youth under the age of 18.
Arson is a serious crime. It injures and kills people, destroys
properties, and destabilizes neighborhoods.
According to the FBI, juvenile firesetters accounted for roughly half
(at least 49%) or more of those arrested for arson -- for the ninth
straight year.
In 2003, 51% of those arrested were under 18, nearly one-third were
under the age of 15, and 3% were under the age of 10.
Studies have shown that the majority of normal children possess an
interest in fire and nearly half have engaged in fire-play. For many
young people, the attraction to fire leads to juvenile fire-play and
firesetting -- fire-starting activity that fire investigators
determine to be short of arson. This behavior may be a precursor for
the crime of arson.
Even though the majority of child-set fires are started out of
curiosity, not malice, the damage they cause, both in economic and
human costs, is real and devastating. Juvenile arson and youth-set
fires result in over 300 deaths and 2,000 injuries annually, and $300
million in property damage and more than 400,000 incidents annually.
Juveniles who are involved in significant fires resulting in property
loss, personal injury, or death can be arrested for the crime of
arson. Several factors are taken into consideration for determining
criminal intent, including the firesetter's age, the nature and extent
of the individual's firesetting history, and the motive and intent
behind the firesetting.
Legal definitions of arson vary from state to state. However, if
there is sufficient evidence for intentional and malicious
firesetting, then the juvenile can be charged with arson.
Characteristics of Firesetters
Juvenile firesetters fall into three general groups:
The first is made up of children, mainly boys, under 7 years of age.
Generally, fires started by these children are the result of accidents
or curiosity.
In the second group of firesetters are children ranging in age from 8
to 12. Although the firesetting of some of these children is
motivated by curiosity or experimentation, a greater proportion of
their firesetting represents underlying psychosocial conflicts. They
will continue to set fires until their issues are addressed and their
needs are met.
The third group comprises adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18.
These youth tend to have a long history of undetected fire-play and
firestarting behavior. Their current firesetting episodes are usually
either the result of psychosocial conflict and turmoil or intentional
criminal behavior. They have a history of school failure and behavior
problems, and are easily influenced by their peers.
Children who set fires may have one or more of these characteristics:
· Curiosity with fire
· Lack of understanding fire?s danger
· Recent change in family life (death, separation, divorce, move, abandonment)
· Parental alcoholism or drug abuse
· Attachment problems
· History of behavioral problems (such as lying, stealing, truancy,
bullying, cruelty to animals, and substance use)
· Poor peer relationships and/or social isolation; being bullied
· History of physical, emotional or sexual abuse and/or neglect
· Bedwetting
· Blaming others and/or unwilling to accept responsibility for one's own actions
· Lack of empathy
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Unfortunately, families and even law enforcement personnel are often
reluctant to take action on what they think (and hope) is a one-time
occurrence. Law enforcement personnel sometimes fail to report
incidents as crime and so the juvenile avoids intervention and/or
prosecution. Sometimes families simply ignore the seriousness of the
behavior.
However, ALL children who have engaged in fireplay or firesetting
behavior need intervention. Even very young children who were just
curious need to be educated on the dangers of fireplay so that they do
not continue the behavior and grow up to be arsonists.
Here are some specific things that parents can do:
Parental Awareness
Take notice of your children. If they are using or carrying ignition
material (matches, lighters) for no particular reason, talk with them
and listen to them. Be aware of their moods, feelings, and
relationships both within and outside the home.
Straight Talk
Talk to your children about the realities of the law. A fire that is
set can lead to the felony charge of Arson. This is a serious crime.
Fire can destroy property, injure others, or take lives.
Adult Modeling
Set a good example. Most kids learn how to use fire by watching the
adults around them (most often parents). If the behavior of adults
does not show respect for fire, the behavior of children most
certainly won't. Most kids learn how to relate to others and handle
stress from their parents. How you live your life impacts greatly on
how your children live their lives.
Access
Keep matches and lighters in a safe place, high and out of reach of
young children. Lock them up if necessary.
Intervention
Don't ignore the obvious. When kids use fire in ways that are harmful
or dangerous, problems will occur. Whether through education or an
in-depth mental health evaluation, seek appropriate help before
problems occur. Punishment, discipline, and "scare tactics" do not
work. You will need the help, support, and guidance of a
professional. Firesetting behavior will not stop without
intervention.
Find Help
Your local fire department is often the best point of first contact
when you need help with a child who is misusing fire. They may be
able to refer you to professionals who have experience working with
juvenile firesetters. If that doesn't work, contact SOS Fires at
503-805-8482 or e-mail."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_binks/20050617.html
http://www.interfire.org/res_file/pdf/Tr-095.pdf |
