Arson is a major concern to the Fire Authorities around the country, in Shropshire from April 2002 – March 2003, 50% of fires were identified as deliberate.

In response to this growing problem, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have launched three educational initiatives to address the needs of children and young people who are involved in fire play and the crime of arson.

These initiatives are designed to operate within two age groups influenced by the age of criminal responsibility.

	The Junior Fire Education Scheme is primarily aimed at 4-9 year olds (although we do educate older children at parental request)
	The two Juvenile Intervention Schemes are for young people at risk of offending and those young people convicted of arson and vehicle crimes.

The fundamental principle of the education is fire safety education. Intervention workers do not offer counselling or chastise the children. Where it is recognised within the junior scheme that the fire setting is a result of behavioural problems the Youth Officer will adopt a multi-agency approach directing parents to other professionals with the relevant expertise.

The prime objective of the Juvenile Intervention course is to educate young people at risk of offending and convicted young offenders of the dangers of fire and the consequences of their actions. There are two separate levels of intervention to meet the needs of these young people. All referrals for juvenile intervention work whether arson or vehicle crime should be directed through our partner agency Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin’s Youth Offending Service.

Together we can reduce incidences of fire play and arson and make our county a safer place to live

Further Information:   Lynn Hosking, Youth Officer   01743 260257   Chris Page, Scheme Administrator   01743 260254