NCJ Number
86289
Date Published
1981
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Malicious and nonmalicious motives for arson by juveniles are identified and discussed, and diagnosis and treatment programs are considered under the categories of premises-focused and firesetter-focused programs.
Abstract
Juveniles (13-19 years old) account for 42.8 percent of arson arrestees in the United States. Juvenile firesetters fall into two general subcategories: those who maliciously disregard the potential consequences of their acts and those who are either unaware of the potentially harmful consequences of their act or do not act with maliciousness. Those in the 'malicious' subcategory commit arson out of revenge, spite, jealousy, vandalism, malicious mischief, crime concealment, diversion of attention from other activities, arson-for-profit, and intimidation. The 'nonmalicious' subcategory includes juveniles motivated by curiosity, nonmalicious mischief, and drug psychological disturbances. Premises-focused diagnostic and treatment programs are designed to remove the opportunity for anyone, including juveniles, to set fires. Most of these programs are used in schools, since schools are the targets of a substantial number of fires set by juveniles. One security method which has proven to be highly effective in preventing arson is a fire alarm system interfaced with a burglar alarm system. Firesetter-focused programs emphasize helping the juvenile to modify firesetting behavior. These include community-based programs, where firesetting juveniles are referred for evaluation, therapy, and behavior modification; inhouse fire department programs, where firefighters trained in counseling provide guidance for the juveniles; and school-based programs, where a team is trained to help deal with persons who have firesetting behavior. Names and addresses of persons associated with particular programs are provided. An annotated bibliography with 28 listings is included, along with 15 footnotes.