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 & Rescue Service (QFRS) offers several programs to address the fire play and 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, and sometimes government agencies.
The Juvenile Arson Offenders Program (JAOP) is an initiative (currently under trial in the Southeast corner of Queensland) that focuses on young people who have come to the attention of the police or the judicial system.
The program assists rehabilitation by focusing offenders on the consequences of their actions and improving their self-esteem. The program has been found to have benefits beyond the offender’s fire setting behaviour. It is believed that the program may also have a positive influence on the offenders’ friends, family and acquaintances.
A particular strength of the program is its delivery by firefighters, a group with considerable credibility in the community. Firefighters who deliver JAOP are senior FFF practitioners with considerable experience and specialised training.
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, that may include:
- A detailed analysis of the participant’s offence.
- The anatomy of fire.
- The effect of arson on individuals, families, businesses and communities.
- Senior first aid and resuscitaton.
- Fire investigation – after scene analysis.
- General fire safety.
- Breathing apparatus.
- Fire extinguisher training.
- Community service.
Referrals to the JAOP program must be made in writing by the initiating agency and are taken from government agencies and organization that include:
- Department of Families
- Children’s Courts
- Magistrate’s Courts
- Queensland Police Service (Juvenile Aid Bureau).
For further information or to arrange a referral, please contact Mr Rowan Clem, Station Officer, on phone number 0410 476 194.
Last updated 10 February 2005
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