JFAIP Program Profile
Juvenile Fire Awareness and Intervention Program (JFAIP)
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JFAIP Program Profile (2 MB)
The JFAIP Profile summary:
• age and maturity based
• delivered in your own home
• free of charge
• strictly confidential*.
The profile of JFAIP client.
• The average age is 9-10 years (with their first interest in fire at between 2-4 years of age).
• Majority are boys.
• There generally is at least one smoker in the family.
• Majority are from single parent family.
• Not uncommon for the young person to have a learning difficulty, social or behaviour problem.
* In accordance with program policy all information obtained remains confidential. A copy of program policy can be obtained from the JFAIP State Coordinator.
Program Aims.
The aims of JFAIP is to prevent loss of life, injury and property damage caused by a young people’s fireplay or firesetting through:
• Assisting families/carers in dealing with the young person’s firelighting.
• Educating the young person and family network about fire safety.
• Assisting young people in taking responsibility for their actions.
• Assisting young people in taking responsibility for fire safety.
• Encouraging self-esteem
The intervention program is delivered by trained firefighters from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Referrals to JFAIP.
Young people are referred to JFAIP through a range of channels including:
• Department of Human Services and other Family Service Agencies.
• Self investigation from child’s parents, guardian or carer.
• Fire Service (MFB & CFA).
• Victorian Police, Children’s Courts, Juvenile Justice Department.
• Schools.
• Family Doctor, Paediatricians, Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Social Worker.
How did JFAIP Begin?
During the 1980’s the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and the MFB shared concerns for the safety of young people.
Too many young people were being admitted with burns and too many were responsible for actually lighting fires.
During 1986 the MFB and Child Psychiatrist, Robert Adler, who was then a Professor at the Royal Children’s Hospital developed the research methodology and intervention program to be delivered by firefighters. JFAIP was piloted during 1987 (research showed that 66 per cent of the initial 138 clients refrained from lighting fires).
Today JFAIP is a state-wide program delivered by firefighters of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The program is home-based, free and strictly confidential. The firefighter works closely with the young person and their family to reduce and control their fireplay / firesetting behaviour.
Young People and Firelighting.
Young people, matches, lighters and fire are a deadly mix, so why do young people partake in inappropriate fire behaviours? There are several reasons:
1. fascinated by or curious about the colour, light and energy released by flames.
2. Some young people seek attention through fire lighting. This may be in response to a change in their family situation or pressures resulting from learning or social difficulties.
3. Peer pressure is a common cause of fire lighting and generally associated with low self-esteem.
4. Anger and revenge associated with family or friendship problems can trigger fire lighting.
5. Fires resulting from malicious or mischievous behaviour can be caused by a young person who is experiencing family or social difficulties.
Younger children tend to light fires in and around their homes. They rarely intend to cause damage with fire, while the adolescent is more likely to experiment with explosives and be more motivated by peers.
MYTH:
It is normal for children to play with fire.
FACT:
While curiosity about fire is common in all ages, fireplay and firesetting are not normal and can be deadly.
JFAIP can help change behaviours.
JFAIP enhances the young person’s development regardless of their backgrounds.
A person’s social, emotional and intellectual development can be enhanced through the intervention of the firefighter, whether fireplay / firesetting is a stage or phase in the young person’s life, a protracted problem, or a part of a much greater problem.
The firefighter with the support of the young person’s parent, guardian or carer aims to modify the inappropriate fire behaviours by raising their awareness of fire hazards and risks, responsible fire safety behaviour and developing a fire safe environment.
Development of the young person’s trust is crucial. The program is free of any recrimination for past deeds.
Who can benefit from JFAIP?
Young people from a wide range of social backgrounds have benefited from JFAIP. Many are socially disadvantaged, may have an intellectual or learning disability or are victims of abuse.
No young person is denied access to the program, unless under the direction of their mental health professional.
Participation is totally voluntary, except where a young person has been referred by the Children’s Court as a condition of their sentence.
The Program.
The program consists of three components trust building, intervention and positive reinforcement.
The firefighter visits are initially spaced one week apart to maintain continuity and establish rapport with the young person. (This approach is flexible depending upon the families and firefighter’s circumstances).
The firefighter works closely with the young person and their family to reduce and control the fireplay / firesetting. Each session takes approximately 60 minutes with the firefighter having access to a range of activities and approaches that will vary according to the age and maturity of the young person. These activities include discussions with the support of books, videos, flipcharts, newspaper articles and JFAIP workbooks. Planned activities include preparing a fire escape plan, smoke alarm maintenance and discussing the firefighters own firefighting experiences,
The program is tailored towards the individual needs of the young person. The firefighter aims to develop within the young person a greater respect for fire and awareness of consequences of it’s’ misuse. Importantly, at the same time, the benefits of fire are explained and the young person is taught that fire is a “tool and not a toy”.
On completion of the program the firefighter maintains contact with young person for a period ranging from 3 -6 months (post reinforcement period).
Post Intervention.
Post intervention is the period of time immediately following completion of the positive reinforcement period and its aim is to assure the young person and family of the firefighters’ continued interest in their situation. Appropriate intervention work can be undertaken if young persons’ fire lighting behaviours re-develop.
Parents, guardians or carers are encouraged to contact the JFAIP office at the first sign of any concerns about the young person’s fire behaviour.
Program Evaluation.
Systematic evaluation of the program enables monitoring the young person’s progress, new behaviours and trends experiences and improvements to program delivery
MYTH:
It is a phase that the child will grow out of.
FACT:
It is not a phase and you must deal with it immediately or it will continue.
Interest Groups
JFAIP has many interest groups which include both other fire services (national and internationally) and external agencies.
Fire Services that share information with JFAIP includes:
• Fire Services in all States and Territories of Australia
• New Zealand Fire Service
Agencies that support JFAIP and refer young people with inappropriate fire behaviour as part of their standard procedures include:
• The Department of Human Services (DHS) –Child Protection, Disability Services and Mental Health Divisions
• The Department of Youth Justice
• Victoria Police
• School Welfare programs
• Various welfare agencies and family services
There are various community groups that provide support and some will endorse JFAIP through common concerns in order to meet community risks.
If you need advice or assistance* regarding a child’s firelighting or this program contact the JFAIP State Coordinator:
Phone: 1300 309 988
Email: jfaipoffice@mfb.vic.gov.au