NCJ Number
76578
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Vignettes of firefighters counseling juvenile fire setters are presented in this film. Each vignette illustrates the importance of physical environment, establishment of rapport, determination of the child's level of understanding, and the overall verbal behavior of the interviewer.
Abstract
Each vignette is shown twice: first, to illustrate some ineffective counseling techniques and to encourage discussion; and second, to suggest more effective techniques. The vignettes include interviews with a 6-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old boy. In addition, brief interviews are conducted with a child who does not talk, a normal-looking retarded child, a child who lacks concern, and a hysterical child. The film suggests some possible motivations for the juvenile fire setters depicted such as loneliness, revenge, or peer pressure and advises that interviewers are most effective when showing caring and understanding.