Children and Teenagers Who Set Fires: Why They Do It and How to Help

This practical guide helps parents, carers, and professionals understand and address firesetting behavior in children and teenagers. Drawing on juvenile firesetting research, child development theory, and frontline experience, criminologist Joanna Foster explores the underlying motivations behind firesetting, framing it as a form of communication or attention-seeking behavior. The book outlines clear, evidence-based intervention strategies and provides a variety of creative, age-tailored activities and resources designed for direct work with young people. It serves as an accessible handbook to help adults intervene effectively and prevent future incidents.