Intervention for Firesetting Offenders: A Case Study

There is little research on treatment for firesetting, especially for those who were incarcerated for their offenses. Of the treatment programs that do exist, there are limitations to feasibly implementing these in correctional settings. We propose a short-term (eight-session) program, Intervention for Firesetting Offenses (INFO), based on techniques that have been empirically supported for this population, including psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy-based strategies, and relapse prevention. We provide a description of INFO using the case study of Mr. A, a man who was incarcerated for an arson offense. Overall, INFO was feasibly and effectively implemented, as the individual improved his understanding of firesetting in general and his own motivations and risk factors for engaging in firesetting and developed a relapse prevention plan to avoid future offending behaviors.