Paul Schwartzman is a mental health counselor and a nationally recognized expert on juvenile firesetting behavior. This interview comes from his newest investigative report for Tridata Corp. of Virginia and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Juvenile Arson-- Getting at the Truth
We hear about young children and curiosity as a motivation for using fire. Can older kids be motivated by curiosity, too?
That's an excellent question. Too often, we classify kids by age. We assume that a 12 or 13 year old knows better, so we think their motivation must be problem-oriented. The truth is, curiosity may be the motivator for older kids as well.
"It's a powerful means of communication that's literally at their finger tips."
Adolescents are attempting to find their way in an adult world. One way they do this is by using adult tools to acquire a sense of control. Their experimentation is usually more sophisticated than it is with younger children. We also find that it often involves greater risks... such as using flammable liquids or fireworks.
Although these kids are showing poor judgement, they don't necessarily have more serious problems. And they do respond to appropriate educational interventions.
But, when it's more than curiosity... Why do older kids get involved in firesetting?
It can be a cry for help, or attention seeking behavior. Many (of these kids) come from very dysfunctional families with little support, poor communication and minimal problem solving skills. They are seen as hostile and uncaring. But what these kids really feel is abandoned, helpless and alienated.
No matter what they try, they feel no one will reach out to them. They become angrier and increasingly alienated, which leads to more acting out behavior.
"They are seen as hostile... But what these kids really feel is abandoned, helpless and alienated."
Many of these kids learn the power of fire quite early. It may have started from curious experimentation, but they soon realize the reaction fire gets from parents, authorities, and emergency services. It is a powerful means of communication that's literally at their finger tips.
What about gangs and firesetting? Do you see a relationship there?
A few cities have reported an increase in this type of firesetting. But while many of the dynamics in attention seeking behavior are relevant, very often the act of starting a fire is arbitrary. In other words, if incendiary materials are handy, they'll start a fire. If a rock is handy, it's thrown through a window. A gang's motives may involve revenge, territory issues, or simply "staking out" neighborhoods.
But the truth is, data from the NFPA's Annual Arson Report shows that these acts are really a small fraction of the arson problem.
Looking at the bigger picture then, what kind of interventions do we need?
It's not simple. The motivations and underlying causes of firesetting with older kids reflect the the same dynamics of younger problem firesetters...family problems, conduct disorders and emotional difficulties. However, these kids are more alienated, angry and adept at destruction.
"Prosecuting juveniles as adults is a reaction driven by fear and frustration."
This is a scary combination of traits that has lead to Federal laws permitting juveniles to be prosecuted as adults. Although understandable, this reaction is driven by fear and frustration.
Careful review of juveniles tried in adult courts show they actually commit more crimes upon their release.
So, what's the answer? We need community (intervention) programs with a comprehensive range of services and sanctions; programs that incorporate restitution and community service. And we need this in combination with skill building, along with individual and family support.
To achieve this, the community's interagency communication and coordination needs to be seamless.
The bottom line is...Despite the fact that these kids are involved in violent behaviors, they are our youth and their well-being impacts us all.
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