The Juvenile Firesetter Education Program utilizes a network of professionals in the fire service, law enforcement, juvenile justice, social services, and mental health fields. Through the use of this network, the hope is to raise public awareness and to prevent further crimes through early identification and intervention.
The program is designed to provide a “road map” for intervention and referral.
Program basics
The juvenile must pay a class fee of $55 (other options are available for those unable to pay the total fee) and attend a two-hour class with at least one parent at the Youth Services Bureau, 7064 W Point Douglas Road South in Cottage Grove.
The class offers education for juveniles and their parents, as well as diversion in some cases, and is a cost-effective alternative approach to dealing with fire-related offenses. Early intervention and treatment may prevent future criminal behavior and save countless injuries, lives and dollars of property loss.
Topics covered include:
- Rules and laws and the consequences if broken.
- Fire behavior and what is the misuse of fire
- Smoke detectors, escape plans fire sprinklers, and fire safety
- Home hazards and fire prevention
For more information, contact the Dakota County Attorney’s Office at 651-438-4438 or attorney@co.dakota.mn.us.