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Parent and Caregiver Groups

A parent or guardian is required to attend the youth firesetter class with their child. The entire family is encouraged to attend the class. During the class, the parent/guardian meet for a parent/caregiver group facilitated by a Phoenix Fire Captain.

The topics discussed in this group include the following:

• Fire Safety
• Behavioral factors that distinguish fire curiosity from firesetting
• The categories and characteristics of youth firesetters
• The consequences of firesetting
• Arizona Arson and Fireworks Laws
• The importance of modeling proper safety behaviors
• Identifying safety precautions that need to be taken with regard to matches, lighters and other potential fire hazards
• Resource and referral information
• The Juvenile Firesetter Child and Family Risk Survey
• Counseling resources

If counseling is recommended for a child and his/her family, the Phoenix Fire Department has a panel of mental health providers experienced in working with youth firesetters. See next section for further information on the mental health providers.

Did You Know

• That a child as young as 8 years old can be arrested for setting a fire
• According to the FBI, 55% of all arson arrests are youth under the age of 18
• That reckless burning is a Class 1 misdemeanor
• That arson of a structure or property is a Class 4 felony
• That arson of an occupied structure is a Class 2 felony
• In the State of Arizona, it is unlawful to sell, offer for or expose for sale, use, explode or possess any fireworks
• That there is a fire in the United States at least every 16 seconds
  

Last modified on 10/21/2009 15:35:46