Firehawk Juvenile Firesetting Companion Program
EDUCATION – This is a component of working with all children no matter what the behavior classification. The companion works with the child to gain a sound base of fire and life prevention behavior. Often, these meetings take place at the fire station, but may also take place in the home or other location. Topics may include the history of fire, fire uses, safety with outdoor fires, and home fire safety devices.
TREATMENT – Sometimes, education is not enough. This is often true of the crisis firesetter who is using fire as a cry for help. In these cases, the Firehawk Companion works with the healthcare professional in providing the very best combination of education and counseling.
FOLLOW UP – After the program is completed, the Firehawk Companion will call and check the child’s status on the third, sixth, and twelfth months.
Did
you know?
When a child’s firesetting behavior goes untreated, there is an 81%
risk of the behavior being repeated and that risk drops to 10% when
treatment is provided.
Can’t
I take care of this myself?
Sure, but remember: Firehawk Companions are trained in dealing with
all types of firesetting behavior. Sometimes you can just be too close
to the situation to effectively deal with it.
What
should I do if my child has been playing with fire?
Call us! The Firehawk Companion Program is reached through the West
Hartford Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau (860) 523-2104 Monday
through Friday 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. or by calling 1-888-367-0192 and asking
for the chief duty officer to give you a call.
Who
can make a referral?
The Firehawk Companion Program can accept referrals from parents, teachers,
healthcare professionals, the court or juvenile review board, friends,
neighbors and anyone else who has an interest in the safety of the child.
