The Firesetters Intervention Scheme works with children and young people – up to the age of 18 – who play with fire or who have set fires. If you know a child or young person you are concerned about, or you have spotted worrying signs, talk to us. Acting now can save lives.
Any child or young person up to the age of 18 living in London. We support anyone who knows or works with a child or young person who needs help, though most typically, parents, carers, teachers and social workers might contact us about a young person in their care.
No. We have worked with children from 18 months – our caseworkers are all trained in talking to children in a way appropriate to their age and needs.
Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of all children and young people. We are experienced in working with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and our service is inclusive. For example, we can provide a BSL interpreter if needed.
Our specialist team offers tailored, one-to-one fire safety education to the young person as well as advice for their parents or carers. The service is free and since it launched in 2001, we have received nearly 4000 referrals, helping to reduce deliberate fires and address fire safety concerns in all 33 London boroughs.
The help and support we provide is tailored to the child or young person. After a child has been referred and parents or carers have given permission for sessions to start, we'll visit the child’s home. Further sessions typically take place at school or another suitable location. The caseworkers will work with the child or young person and their carers to find out more about what's been happening, and establish a trusting relationship. From there on, the support is personalised to what's best for the individual.
The team don't scare children using shock tactics – it's been proven that education and an understanding approach is more effective at changing firesetting behaviour. Each session is age appropriate and tailored to suit the child’s individual needs and abilities.
Yes. When we work with a child or young person, we may also offer to support the parents or carers with a home fire safety visit, where we can share advice on fire safety and fit free smoke alarms if they are needed.
Once FIS intervention work has ended, we get in touch at 6 months and 2 years to check how things are going – we're here if the child or young person needs further support where appropriate. The good news is that these calls confirm over 90 percent of children we work with don't set further fires after our intervention.
It's really important to act if you are worried about a child who displays firesetting behaviour. Whatever the child's motives, firesetting should never be ignored.
If you're worried about a child or young person, please contact us. You could save their life – and the lives of others.
