Do burn centers provide juvenile firesetter intervention?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric burn care
• Injury prevention
• Behavioral intervention

Background:

• Juvenile firesetting causes significant injuries and property damage.
• Limited information exists on juvenile firesetting intervention (JFSI) within burn literature.
• Burn centers are critical in managing pediatric burn injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the current state of JFSI in US burn centers.
• To identify challenges and needs for effective JFSI programs.
• To explore the potential for burn center involvement in JFSI.

Main Methods:

• A 23-question survey was distributed to directors of US burn centers.
• Data were collected from 64 out of 112 (57%) verified burn centers.
• Response rate represented 79% of verified burn centers.

Main Results:

• Only 38% of burn centers have an established JFSI program; 38% refer to fire services.
• Lack of staffing and funding are primary reasons for JFSI program discontinuation.
• 95% of centers expressed a need for visual tools detailing firesetting ramifications.

Conclusions:

• Many burn centers treating pediatric patients lack dedicated JFSI programs.
• Existing JFSI programs exhibit significant variability in structure and delivery.
• Burn centers should enhance their role in JFSI, benefiting from collaborative efforts and standardized intervention materials.