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The UK’s first fire assessments to be used by practitioners working with juvenile firesetters was launched as part of an international conference organised by the London Fire Brigade and the Cognitive Centre Foundation (CCF).
The two-day event entitled Working with Juvenile Firesetters – Risks, Rights and Resources gave delegates the opportunity to discuss how best to work with children and adolescents with identified firesetting behaviour. Dr David Kolko, professor of psychiatry, psychology, and paediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine was the keynote speaker.
“Children start to play with fire for a variety of reasons, ranging from natural curiosity to a cry for help and delinquent behaviour,” said Joanna Foster, manager of London Fire Brigade’s juvenile firesetters intervention scheme (JFIS). “Without help and guidance, firesetting behaviour can increase and lead to serious consequences such as injuries and fatalities and damage to homes, schools and property.
“The conference has been an exciting opportunity for London’s JFIS to build on our working relationship with Professor Kolko and CCF, whilst also furthering our working knowledge of this fascinating field. The varied disciplines and number of UK and overseas brigades attending the conference will lead to more children and families getting the expert help they need.”
JFIS was launched in 2001 and aims to tackle the problem of children setting fires by working with young people and their families. It is recognised as one of the largest and most successful in the UK, and has dealt with over 2300 referrals to date. The scheme is also currently offering support to the intelligence liaison unit of the Victoria Police in Australia, following the bush fires in February 2009 that claimed many lives.
London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Andy Barrett added: “JFIS is a really important part of our work towards achieving the Brigade’s overall aim to make Londoners safer. To share information and meet fellow experts from other countries can only enhance the excellent work we already do. Sadly, some young people do demonstrate a fascination with fire, including playing with lighters and matches, but by working with young people as soon as this behaviour is identified we can prevent serious consequences.”