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PROGRAM UPDATE - May 2009 IFSA Newsletter The Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program (JFSIP) Team has been working on contacting all interventionists in Illinois. This has been an arduous task, which is nearly complete. We want to be sure to include all interventionists as we roll out the updated program. Recently an email was sent to all interventionists we have made contact with. If you are an interventionist and have not received any contact from the JFSIP team, please contact the IFSA office. The IFSA has received feedback from many interventionists regarding the need for standardized forms and information throughout Illinois. The IFSA has created a reporting system in order to obtain juvenile fire setter statistics. The Juvenile Fire Setter Reporting System form will provide information regarding the circumstances involved in the juvenile fire setting incidents. In order to ensure accurate statistical data, as well as determining recidivism rates and the success of the JFSIP, we need every intervention completed in the state of Illinois to be entered into the system. The reporting form is available through the office and online at www.ifsa.org. We are asking that interventionists contact the IFSA office to obtain a case number upon identification of a juvenile fire setter. To date there are 176 identified state certified interventionists in 30 counties. Currently over 60 people are on the wait-list for the certification course with 7 departments willing to host. There are also numerous interventionists that are interested in being instructors or in attending a refresher course. The updated JFSIP curriculum is now in the final stages of completion. We are looking forward to holding our first Train-The-Trainer class May 29-30 at the Frankfort Fire Protection District. In an effort to provide a standardized program throughout Illinois, the IFSA will be providing current state-certified interventionists with the updated curriculum as well as forms and resources. Current interventionists will be able to attend a refresher course and new interventionist classes will be available starting in July. Anyone interested in attending classes, now or in the future, can complete the sign-up form available online and in the newsletter. In addition to working on the curriculum updates the JFSIP team has been attending various meetings throughout the state providing not only updates on the JFSIP but all programs available through the IFSA. The JFSIP team went to MABAS meetings in Charleston and McHenry, presented at the Inspectors Strike Force, and spoke at the Illinois Fire Inspector’s Public Education Conference in Galena. We are looking forward to speaking at the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Symposium this month. Brochures highlighting the JFSIP and the juvenile fire setting problem are in the final stages. There will be two brochures available. The first brochure provides detailed information about the JFSIP and the characteristics of juvenile fire setters. The second brochure is designed for parents as an informational brochure on the scope and severity of the juvenile fire setting problem as well as the signs of fire setting. This brochure encourages parents to seek early intervention and provides a space for fire departments to add their contact information. Both brochures will be available through the IFSA. The IFSA website is quickly becoming a resource for interventionists. The JFSIP section of the website is a work in progress. Currently the Reporting System form, class schedule and sign-up, and JFSIP updates are available. The JFSIP team is committed to providing ample, up to date resources. As information is added to the website, your suggestions are welcome. Email jfsi@ifsa.org with any content suggestions. The Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program is your program; let’s make it a program that Illinois can be proud of.
We are proud to announce that the Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program has scheduled the first Train-the-Trainer course on May 29-30. The Frankfort Fire Protection District has graciously offered to host. Optional re-certification and new certification courses will start in July, dates and location pending. The IFSA is proud to offer the Train-the Trainer course for no charge. Accommodations and meals are the attendees’ responsibility. If you are interested in attending, complete the sign up form to receive an application. If you have already notified us of your interest in attending, there is no need to complete the sign up form. Add jfsi@ifsa.org to you address book to ensure delivery. Course size is limited; get your information in early to guarantee your spot. Thank you for your continued interest in the Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program.
Juvenile Fire Setter Interventionist, The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) has heard from many interventionists. A frequent suggestion was standardized forms are needed. As the Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program (JFSIP) Team moves forward re-launching this much needed program, we have begun the standardization process. The JFSIP Team is asking that all interventions be reported utilizing the new Juvenile Fire Setting Reporting System form. This updated form will allow for gathering statistics regarding juvenile fire setters, recidivism rates, and the effectiveness of the JFSIP. The completed form may be emailed to jfsi@ifsa.org, faxed to 847-390-0920 or mailed to PO Box 911, Mount Prospect, IL 60056. If you have not done so, please contact the IFSA office at 847-390-0911, 800-634-0911, or the JFSIP Helpline at 847-400-4864 to obtain a case number for current, past (2009) and future interventions. As more resources become available updates to this website will continue to be made. If you have any suggestions for what you would like to see on the website, please let us know. If you are a JFSIP instructor, we will be holding train-the-trainer classes in May. Contact the IFSA office at 847-390-0911 or jfsi@ifsa.org if you would like to attend the class. If you are currently an interventionist who would like a refresher course or know someone who would like to be an interventionist, contact the IFSA office to be added to the wait-list. We are looking forward to offering classes in the near future. Thank you for your continued support in this program, Laura Barros
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