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Youth Firesetter Prevention Program
Prince William County’s Youth Firesetting Prevention Program provides education, behavioral health support and intervention for youth who engage in unsafe fire-setting behavior.
The program brings together the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office, Juvenile Court Service Unit and Community Services to assess each situation and connect youth with the appropriate level of education, intervention or treatment.
For eligible youth involved in the juvenile intake process, participation may provide an alternative to formal court proceedings while addressing the circumstances and behaviors that contributed to the fire-setting incident.
- Who Can Participate?
The Youth Firesetting Prevention Program is a referral-based program and is not a direct-enrollment program for families.
Youth involved in fire-setting incidents are assessed to determine the appropriate response. For youth involved in the juvenile intake process, participation in education, treatment or other interventions may be required in lieu of proceeding through formal court proceedings.
Not every youth will follow the same pathway. Recommendations are based on the circumstances of the incident, the fire marshal’s assessment and, when appropriate, the behavioral health needs of the youth.
- For Parents and Guardians
If you are concerned about a young person’s fire-setting behavior, you do not need to wait for an incident or involvement with law enforcement to seek help.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to start by contacting their child’s health care provider or school counselor. These professionals can help assess the situation and connect your family with resources based on your child’s needs.
If a provider determines that the Youth Firesetting Prevention Program may be appropriate, the Fire Marshal’s Office can assess the situation and help determine next steps.
- How the Program Works
Every situation involving youth fire-setting behavior is different. The Youth Firesetting Prevention Program uses several pathways to determine the appropriate response based on the circumstances of the incident and the individual needs of the youth.
When a Prince William County fire marshal encounters a youth involved in fire-setting behavior, the fire marshal assesses the circumstances and determines the appropriate recommendation. Depending on the situation, that may include:
- Fire safety education
- Behavioral health evaluation and treatment
- Additional intervention or support
- Referral through the juvenile intake process
- Standard processing through the juvenile justice system
Education, behavioral health treatment or other interventions may be directed through the juvenile intake process in lieu of formal court proceedings when appropriate.
The Fire Marshal’s Office, Prince William County Police Department and Community Services may identify youth who could benefit from the program. Other agencies that encounter concerning fire-setting behavior may also contact the Fire Marshal’s Office, which can assess the situation and recommend appropriate next steps.
- Fire Safety Education
Education is an important part of the program and is designed to help youth understand the consequences of unsafe fire-setting behavior and make safer decisions.
The educational component draws from national standards as well as state and regional practices. Depending on the circumstances, participants may learn about:
- The potential for fires to cause serious injury or death
- Property damage caused by fires
- The impact and cost of fires on families, emergency responders and the community
- Fire safety and responsible decision-making
- The legal process and potential legal consequences associated with fire-setting behavior
Youth participating in required education sessions are expected to attend and actively participate. Failure to complete required program components may result in referral back to juvenile intake for formal processing and potential adjudication.
- Behavioral Health Services
Fire-setting behavior can sometimes occur alongside other challenges affecting a young person or family. When behavioral health treatment is appropriate, youth may be referred to the Youth Firesetting Treatment Service through the New Horizons Community-Based Program.
New Horizons is part of the Youth Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division within Prince William County Community Services.
The treatment service is designed for youth ages 10 to 17 with pending fire-setting charges or who have recently set a fire deemed significant enough for enrollment and who are also experiencing challenges related to:
- Recent trauma
- A diagnosed mental health condition
- Substance use
- Co-occurring disorders
- Behavioral well-being
Services are individualized based on the needs of each youth and family and may include case management, home-based services, intensive care coordination and other appropriate behavioral health support.
The level of parent or guardian involvement depends on the services recommended for the youth and the individual treatment plan.
Referrals to the Program
Youth may be identified for potential participation through the:
- Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office
- Prince William County Police Department
- Prince William County Community Services
Other agencies that identify concerning fire-setting behavior may contact the Fire Marshal’s Office. A fire marshal can assess the circumstances and recommend appropriate services or next steps.
Fire Marshall’s Office - 703-792-6360