Youth Fire Setter Intervention Program (YFS)

YFS provides positive intervention for youth who are engaging in dangerous fire setting activities. The program utilizes evidence-based risk assessment tools to intervene and redirect.

What do we do?

  • Respond to referrals (e.g., fire departments, law enforcement, school officials, probation, juvenile justice, self-referral, etc.)
  • Provide risk assessments for future potential fire setting behaviors
  • Provide age appropriate education courses with youth and family, addressing legal and fiscal ramifications, and the dangers to self and others
  • Make referrals to community agencies to address other clinical issues
  • Maintain confidentiality

Who do we serve?  What is the cost?

  • Youth ages 5-18
  • Available in English. Other languages may require additional time to obtain an interpreter
  • Services are provided at not cost to residents from San Diego and Imperial Counties

How does the program work? 

  • An initial assessment in which confidential interviews are conducted with the child and parent/guardian to determine the potential reasons leading to the behavior.
  • Reviewing consequences of fire play,
  • Supporting the family to address home fire safety activities (i.e., planning and practicing a home fire escape plan, testing smoke alarms in the home, and securing all matches and lighters.)

Referral Form

  • Fill out a separate form for each youth being referred.
  • This form is not to be given to the youth or adult guardian.
  • The Burn Institute YFS Coordinator may only speak to a legal guardian to arrange the evaluation.
  • The referred individual’s information is kept confidential.
  • Assurance of informed consent protects all parties.

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING OF INFORMATION

  • The YFS Coordinator may only speak to the youth’s parent or legal guardian to arrange evaluation.
  • It is understood that the parent/legal guardian of the youth is responsible for contacting the YFS Coordinator within 72 working hours. If contact is not made within 72 working hours, the referring agency will be notified.
  • The Burn Institute may require additional time to obtain an interpreter.
  • The parent/legal guardian has a right to decline the YFS services at any time.
  • Consequences of declining or not completing services should be addressed by the referring agency or legal counsel.
  • The parent/legal guardian has been advised YFS services are free of charge.
  • The parent/legal guardian will receive a description of the YFS Program and contact information.
  • This information will be shared with the parent/legal guardian via phone, video, or in person.