Juvenile Arson Offenders Program (JAOP)
Arson involving young people is a growing concern to the community.
As a lead agency in combating arson, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) offers programs to address the fire play and the fire setting behaviours of young people.
The Fight Fire Fascination (FFF) program mainly targets children and young people who have shown what could be termed an ‘unhealthy interest’ in fire, but have not become the subject of police or judicial attention. Referrals to the FFF program are generally made by concerned family and friends, health professionals and sometimes government agencies
The Juvenile Arson Offenders Program (JAOP) is an initiative that focuses on young people who have come to the attention of the police or the judicial system.
The program assists by focusing offenders on the consequences of their actions and improving their self-esteem.
Program Structure
The program educates young people about the dangers of fire as well as the financial, emotional and community costs of arson. Participants are guided through course activities, which may include:
- o a detailed analysis of the participant’s offence
- o the anatomy of fire
- o the effect of arson on individuals, families, businesses and communities
- o Fire Aid and resuscitation (without defribulators)
- o general fire safety
- o breathing apparatus
- o Fire extinguisher training
- o experiential learning
Referrals
Referrals to JAOP must be made in writing by the initiating agency and are taken from government agencies and organisations that include:
- o Department of Communities
- o Magistrate’s Courts
- o Children’s Courts
- o Queensland Police Service (Child Protection and Investigation Unit)
Last reviewed June 2009
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