The Feasibility of Using an Evidence-Informed Screening Protocol to Identify and Treat Youth Firesetters in an Outpatient Psychiatric Population

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of using an evidence-informed protocol to assess and treat youth from an outpatient population for fire interest and/or previous involvement with fire. Clinicians at a nonprofit community organization were trained in the use of 3 screening tools designed to identify children and adolescents with elevated fire interest and fire involvement. Sixty-two cases were examined over a 6-month period, 53 of which were generated through consecutive intakes. The results revealed few youth with elevated fire interest or fire involvement. However, useful aspects of the screening protocol are indentified and indicate a need to continue this line of research.