An outcome evaluation of New Zealand Fire Service Fire Awareness and Intervention Programme

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the current study was to assess the post intervention arson recidivism rates and other offending behaviours of a group of children and adolescents referred to the New Zealand (NZ) Fire Awareness and Intervention Programme (FAIP) over an approximate follow up period of 10 years. Based on the findings and in light of current literature the report aims to provide key recommendations for the FAIP. Method The offence histories of a group of 200 children and adolescents who participated in the FAIP in 1999 were accessed from the National Intelligence Application (NIA) database from the NZ Police in August 2009. The offence histories of the sample over the follow up period of approximately 10 years were recorded, and the data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The rate of arson recidivism was low with only 2% of the sample having committed arson offences during the follow up period. The rates of general offending however, were high with 59.5% of subjects having committed an offence during the follow up period. Fifteen percent of the sample could be classified as severe offenders, 40% as moderate and 4.5% as minor. The average total number of offences committed by those who offended was 8.15 and 11.8% of offenders had been imprisoned during the follow up period. Key Recommendations In light of existing research, the findings of the current study indicate that firesetters are likely to be at risk for future offending and that this is an important consideration for any organisation involved with firesetting individuals. There is a need for a collaborative multiagency approach to dealing with firesetting behaviour in order to minimise this risk. It is important that firesetters are assessed for risk of future offending and based on this assessment, receive appropriate referrals. It is recommended that the FAIP maintains and strengthens existing relationships and communication systems with organisations such as NZ Police – Youth Aid, and mental health as a basis for formulating specific and appropriate interventions for this population. It is also recommended that an appropriate assessment screening tool is developed, validated and implemented as a standard part of the FAIP assessment process to guide appropriate referral.