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Fire Agencies and JFS Programs

Behavioral Health Professionals

Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Handbook by Jessica Gaynor, Ph.D.

 

Sean's Story: My life torn apart by firesetting

National Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Toolkit

What is "Sean's Story"?

"Sean's Story" is a nationally acclaimed documentary that has been incorporated into the National Fire Academy/FEMA Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention curriculum. Sean, a convicted juvenile arsonist, shares his story so viewers can witness firsthand the life-long negative impact that firesetting can have on youth/parents' reputation, community acceptance, family relationships, education, career, financial status, legal liability, incarceration, and injury to self and others. Experts from law enforcement, juvenile justice, and healthcare provide insight into fire misuse behavior and consequences that youth and their parents typically do not consider. Firesetting and arson can be reduced in communities by utilizing this national toolkit to increase awareness and provide preventative education. Additionally, youth who misuse fire can be helped with early intervention by using this comprehensive guide to facilitate appropriate and constructive discussion regarding high-risk behaviors. "Sean's Story" is a poignant film that explicitly demonstrates the long-term consequences that can occur if fire misuse behavior is minimized, ignored, unrecognized, or untreated.