Drawn to the Flame: Assessment and Treatment of Juvenile Firesetting Behavior (Practitioner's Resource Series)

More juveniles are arrested for arson than any other violent crime and over 50% of all arrests for arson involve children under the age of 18 (source: Federal Bureau of Investigation). In spite of this fact, there have previously been very few authoritative books or workshops dealing with assessment of and behavioral interventions with child and adolescent firesetters. As a result, most mental health professionals are unfamiliar with the empirical literature regarding juvenile firesetting and many cling to beliefs that are based more on myth than reality. This highly instructive practitioner guide summarizes research findings; outlines existing theories, diagnostic classifications, motivational typologies, and family characteristics; describes available assessment tools, models, and protocols; and presents alternatives for treatment including interventions that involve collaboration with fire service professionals and families. The author presents "best practice" standards for those who want to expand their practices to work with juvenile firesetters and fire prevention programs. Includes two illustrative case studies, numerous references, and additional regional, state, and national resources for further study, training, networking, and skill development.