TAPP-C: The Arson Prevention Program for Children
What Is TAPP-C?
TAPP-C is an assessment and intervention program aimed at reducing the incidence of youth fire-setting in the community. This program is based on the premise that for most youth, fire setting is a behavioural problem that can be corrected with a combination of education and psychological counselling. Fire service professionals educate children and their families about fire and how to develop good fire safety practices. Counselling professionals assess the risk of continued fire involvement and help children and their families deal with problems that may contribute to fire setting. TAPP-C is free-of-charge and is available to children from 2 to 17 years of age.
The Facts About Fire-Play
If your child is involved in fire-play or fire setting, you are not alone. Many children have a fascination with fire. It is important to understand that while curiosity about fire is natural, fire-play can be dangerous. In fact, fire is the leading cause of death among children in the home. Unfortunately, many youngsters start the very fires that injure or kill themselves or others.
What is Fire-Play?
Fire-play can be many things:
- playing with matches or lighters
- playing with the toaster, stove or furnace
- burning items such as toys, paper or garbage
- setting a fire to destroy something or hurt someone
Things to Watch For:
If you notice any of the following, your child may be involved in fire-play:
- matches or lighters go missing
- matches or lighters are found among your child’s belongings
- there are burn marks on your household items or your child’s possessions
- your child is extremely interested in fire
Program Goals
TAPP-C is an awareness program designed to promote/foster attitudes and behaviours that will result in good fire safety practises.
For most children, fireplay is the result of a normal curiosity about fire. They do not understand or know how to handle fire properly. For some, however, fireplay is a symptom of other problems. This program helps to determine why a particular child is involved in fire setting and depending upon the assessment, provide for the appropriate treatment and follow-up.
Educational Goals
- To teach children about fire, its causes, and the dangers of playing with fire.
- To teach children and their families the proper behaviours concerning matches and lighters.
- To teach children and their families the proper procedures to use in case of fire.
- To help children and their families develop a responsible attitude toward the prevention of fires within a family setting.
- To help children and their families understand the dangers of fire.
How Is TAPP-C Set-up?
TAPP-C is a collaborative intervention program that is delivered by both fire service and mental health professionals in the community. It is based on the premise that unsupervised fire involvement by most juveniles is best addressed through a combination of fire safety education and appropriate mental health service. It is family-based in design so that all family members benefit from participation.
Children involved with fire are referred to the program by parents or caregivers, local fire or police departments, schools, mental health centres, probation offices, crown attorneys, judges, or any other concerned individuals or agencies.
Once a child is referred to the program, the local participating fire department will immediately schedule a ‘Home Fire Safety Check’ and fire safety education sessions with the child and family. The child will also be referred to a local mental health professional for assessment. The child will be assessed using a protocol developed specifically by the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry for TAPP-C. This assessment is intended to determine why a particular child is involved in fire setting and whether mental health treatment is required.
For Help or Further Information on TAPP-C, in the Rainy River District call the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service at (807) 274-9841 or the Crisis Response Services at 866-888-8988. In the District of Kenora contact the Crisis Response Services at 866-888-8988.