LOCATION: > HOME > The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C)

The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C)

The Council joined forces with the renowned Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Clarke Division, and the Toronto Fire Services to present TAPP-C, an assessment and intervention program aimed at reducing the incidence of youth fire-setting in the community. TAPP-C is based on the premise that for most youth, fire-setting is a behavioural problem that can be corrected with a combination of education and psychological counselling. Municipal fire departments play a key role in the identification and referral of youth fire-setters. The program focuses on educating children aged 2-17 about appropriate fire safety behaviours and provides training to local fire departments and mental health professionals to implement this valuable program in communities across Ontario. The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council has provided the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Clarke Division, with over $100,000 raised through the Alarmed for Life program to support TAPP-C.

To date over one thousand young people have received treatment for fire-setting behaviour through the TAPP-C program. According to the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Clarke Division, a follow-up survey of some of these children indicated that 70% have not continued to set fires. This survey also revealed that the recidivism rate of children who participated in TAPP-C is lower than the rates published by other organizations with similar programs.