schools, and juvenile justice to help reduce the occur-rence of juveniles engaged with fire. It can minimize bias in judgments about youths’ risk to public safety and their case management needs. the NASFM project, outlines can better understand the dynamics of following project goals. The depth of the problems produces unique challenges for staff providing screening and assessment in the juvenile justice system. Assessment of the juvenile firesetter and his or her caregivers is an important element in the process of juvenile firesetter intervention. Background: Arson and fire-setting are highly prevalent among patients in secure psychiatric settings but there is an absence of valid and reliable assessment instruments and no evidence of a significant approach to intervention. Fire-Setter. Assessment for Safe and Appropriate Placement (ASAP) is an assessment conducted by an MBHP ASAP Qualified Diagnostician who has specialized training and experience in the evaluation and treatment of youth who engage in sexual-offending or fire-setting behaviors. The Risk Surveys represent a shortened version of the Comprehensive FireRisk Assessment. Assessment and treatment of fire-setters. “Risk Factors and Risk Assessment in Juvenile Fire-Setting.” Psychiatry, Psychology & Law 18, no. In particular, we highlight the importance of acknowledging the differences in terminology used in current studies and outline the importance of developmental issues in understanding when fire-related activities should be considered pathological. 3 (2011): 378-394. NCCD Compares Juvenile Justice Risk Assessment Instruments: A Summary of the OJJDP-Funded Study FEBRUARY 2014 . 6 Risk Assessment in Juvenile Justice: A Guidebook for Implementation Executive Summary Some very positive outcomes can come from sound implementation of a comprehensive risk assessment tool in a probation setting. Unfortunately, specific information is not available about the causes and risk factors of juvenile firesetting, as they are not definitively known. An Regarding risk assessment, the use of structured instruments may complement clinical evaluation, though not all structured violence risk assessment instruments include items relating to firesetting activity. This article provides an overview of the literature on risk issues in juvenile fire-setting behaviour. Regardless of their motivation or intent, these juveniles must be assessed to ensure that they receive the appropriate counseling and education to address their fire setting behavior. A system of risk assessment has been implemented by county juvenile courts to identify levels of risk and eligibility of youths. The scope and severity of these psychosocial problems place juvenile offenders at significant risk for return to substance use and for further delinquent behavior. Prevalence rates for various fire-related behaviors are reported in a few studies based on the administration of self-report surveys or assessment interviews to children and youth. In other instances the issue may not be broken down that simply, a more serious emotional or mental disturbance could be the cause. Understanding Youth Firesetter Behavior. Assessments are necessary to acquire data regarding the fire setting activity, the juvenile and caregivers so that referrals may be made for the appropriate intervention. Established in 1999, FirePsych, Inc. is a private psychology practice that specializes in the assessment, treatment, and study of irresponsible and dangerous firesetting behavior in children, adolescents, and adults. Risk Surveys are derived directly from the questions on the Comprehensive FireRisk Assessment. Dolan, Mairead, Troy E. McEwan, Rebekah Doley, and Katarina Fritzon. In the hands of children, fire can be a In 2002, the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) began which this Bulletin is based. Accidental or curiosity fire-setting is defined as fire-starting behavior often by unsupervised children (usually age 5–10 years of age) with access to matches or lighters. We are an inclusive and engaged community with caring and responsible leadership. Aims: To develop a semi-structured interview assessment specifically for fire-setting to augment structured assessments of risk and need. Robert Stadolnik, Ed.D., President of FirePsych, Inc., is a Licensed Psychologist and author of Drawn to the Flame: Assessment and Treatment of Juvenile Firesetting Behavior (Professional Resource Press, 2000) and the Firesetting Risk Assessment Tool for Youth (FRAT-Y), 2010. FirePsych is committed to working in partnership with other disciplines – fire service, law … Risk Principle Fire Setting Risk Assessment: This report utilizes the following assessment tools for determining the risk of future fire setting, The Fire Setting Risk Assessment Tool for Youth (FRAT-Y), and either the Colorado Child and Family Risk Survey or the State of Oregon Juvenile Fire Setting Risk Assessment Tool. Robert Stadolnik, Ed.D., President of FirePsych, Inc., is a Licensed Psychologist and author of Drawn to the Flame: Assessment and Treatment of Juvenile Firesetting Behavior (Professional Resource Press, 2000) and the Firesetting Risk Assessment Tool for Youth (FRAT-Y), 2010. 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