Associated Press. (1996, January 20). U.S. arson becomes a juvenile’s crime. The Daily Oklahoman, p. 9.

OVERVIEW

In a study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), statistics show that juveniles—at unprecedented rates—are responsible for the majority of arson arrests in America. Children and teens comprised 55 percent of arson arrests in 1994. This figure compares with 49 percent in 1993 and approximately 40 percent during the past 15 years. The breakdown of the arsons is even more disturbing. In 1994, one third of those arrested for arson were under age 15. About 7 percent were under 10 years of age.

The report notes that this felony has the highest rate of youth involvement. No other serious crime is committed so frequently—in proportion—by juveniles. It is important to note that these statistics are for intentional arson. They do not include accidental fires started by kids.

The NFPA does not provide potential motives for the large share of youth arson, but several authorities offer their perspectives. Carol Gross, a manager of the Phoenix (Arizona) Fire Department fire-setter program notes, ‘Kids today seem to be much more stressed than in the past. Using fire is a real sense of power.’ A Rochester (New York) arson investigator, Jerry Bills, believes that the rise in figures is a reflection of more accurate reporting. He adds, ‘What happened in the past is we labeled it as vandals or children playing...now we’re being more specific.’

Arson was responsible for 550 U.S. deaths and $1.6 billion in damage in 1994. However, the NFPA does not provide information about how many of those deaths and how much of that damage occurred at the hands of youth.

Young people who light fires may be placed in several categories: "those too young to understand the consequences; those who know what fire can do but are curious; and those—typically older—who intend to harm." Other experts suggest that a juvenile sets fire as a plea for help from personal problems including physical and sexual abuse.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you work with any youth who are capable of this type of violent crime?
2. If you had a young person in your program predisposed to committing violent crimes, what would you do? Do you have the skills necessary to handle these kinds of kids?
3. How would you work with the relatives of these kids to avert future danger?
4. Is it a good idea to try to mainstream violent kids with typical teens? Why or why not?
5. Are you aware of the organizations in your community willing to work with kids with violent potential or violent history?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Young people break the law, defy authority, and deface property for a variety of reasons. More often than not, juvenile delinquents are experiencing problems at home. Learning about the young person’s family life will often be key to understanding his or her incomprehensible behavior.
2. Severely troubled kids cannot be dealt with by amateurs. If you are working with a young person who is clearly dysfunctional with potential for committing dangerous acts, immediately connect with people and resources who can meet the unique and critical needs of such youth. There are answers, and a youth worker may be the link between a young person’s difficult past and his or her hopeful future.