The Firehawk Children's Program

The Firehawk Children's Program is a nationwide preventive program to assist children who set fires.

In coordination with the State of Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, the Clinic has provided training and consultation to fire departments in the towns it serves.

Currently, there is a Firehawk Program in the town of Manchester.  The Program co-coordinator is Captain Rudy Kissman, Deputy Fire Marshall, Town Fire Department.  Informal Consultation is provided to other towns in our service area.

Children who come to the attention of the Fire Department, either through setting fires or through fire play which is of concern to parents and the community, are given the option of participating in the Firehawk Program.

The Staff

Each program is based in the local fire department and is co-coordinated by the Fire Marshall or his delegate.

The volunteer personnel of the program are local firefighters and a Clinic staff member who serves as a mental health consultant.

Intervention-At the Firehouse

The first level of intervention is a series of interviews with the child and his family, conducted by a fire-fighter volunteer.

On the basis of the results obtained, the child's behavior is rated for its at-risk potential (curiosity versus social/emotional problems).  Results are discussed in a conference with the mental health consultant at which time the next interventions are planned.

Interventions are designed to meet particular needs of individual fire setters and their families.  Situations of little risk are generally  through the use of various educational materials.  Situations of greater risk are referred to the appropriate psychological services or other community resources.

Intervention - In the Community

Since the Firehawk Children's Program is a grass roots, community-based prevention Program, contact with other agencies and resources is an important aspect of its intervention.  Frequently, there is involvement with schools, police, Juvenile Court and other social agencies in regard to children in the Program.

Community education and prevention activities are also important aspects of the program, as is on-going dialogue with other Firehawk Programs throughout the state.

Service Costs

There is no charge for services at the firehouse level.

Families using Clinic services are charged fees according to a sliding scale based on the family's income.  Fees may also be covered by private insurance or by Title XIX.

Referral

Referrals can be made by contacting the local fire department or by calling the Clinic directly.

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth O'Reilly, ACSW, LCSW, Chief Psychiatric Social Worker,

 Mental Health Consultant to the Firehawk Children's Program

at (860) 643-2101 or e-mail address: bor@ccgcinc.org

For a printable version of the Firehawk Program information please click here: