Juvenile Fire Awareness and
Intervention Program

In May 1999, the ACT Fire Brigade, as part of its fire prevention strategy, began its Juvenile Fire Awareness & Intervention Program (JFAIP).

The Program was given generous support by way of funding from the National Roads & Motorists Association (NRMA), to assist with the cost of Program.

What the JFAIP does

JFAIP is a Secondary Fire Prevention Program. That is, it is a program that delivers tailored fire awareness sessions to children between the ages of 3 to 16 who are already exhibiting dangerous firelighting behaviours. As such, it differs from other programs such as the Fire Ed. Program, which is a Primary Fire Prevention Program that delivers generic fire awareness presentations to kindergarten children who have not necessarily displayed firelighting tendencies.

How the JFAIP activates

Referrals for JFAIP intervention may come from many sources other than parents, and these may include: Schools; Police; Courts; Hospitals; Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS); Day Care Services; Youth Justice Services and of course, from ACTFB personnel.

Most importantly, the clientele is solely the family of the child firelighter and the child him/herself.

Consequently, the program will not be activated unless a parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child agrees to participate in the program. JFAIP is a partnership arrangement between the parent(s) or guardian(s), the child and the JFAIP Firefighter.

Due to the nature of the program and its clientele, strict quality control procedures and protocol between JFAIP and CAMHS have been established. JFAIP is a program that will mentor juvenile firelighters who are already exhibiting firelighting tendencies, and is not designed to replace the clinical expertise of CAMHS and other professional psychological services.

Should it become apparent that the fire safety/awareness messages are not being followed or understood by JFAIP participants, the JFAIP will advise the child's parent(s) / guardian(s) of its concern for the family's safety, and recommend professional psychological counselling for the child.

If you have a referral or require any information on the program, please contact Ian Moore through the JFAIP telephone number 6207 9032 (bh), or through the ComCen 6207 8333 (24hrs). As an alternative you can contact him via email at ian.moore@act.gov.au .

Further information on the JFAIP is available.

The ACT Fire Brigade acknowledges the valuable contribution and support of the NRMA to this community fire prevention program.