Brandon Residential Treatment Center has been a leader in the development of services for boys involved in dangerous or reckless firesetting behavior. The Rapid Firesetting Assessment Service at Brandon offers the most comprehensive and evidence-based assessment of problem firesetting that is available within a short-term (45-60 day) residential setting. The rapid assessment service has been designed to receive referrals of boys who are in need of a specialized assessment of their firesetting history and/or current firesetting behaviors and who require stabilization within our staff-secure residential units. This service meets the needs of boys who are involved with the juvenile justice system, are currently psychiatrically hospitalized, or boys who require a short-term specialized assessment of their firesetting behavior. The Brandon firesetting assessment protocol, developed in partnership with FirePsych Inc., incorporates tools and strategies that set a national standard for "best practice." The firesetting assessment provides the foundation for effective firesetting intervention planning.

•  To provide a comprehensive assessment of firesetting behaviors to include environmental and individual factors related to the problem firesetting. Items assessed will include parent and family functioning, social skills, abuse/victimization and aggression
•  To provide an environment that encourages active participation by parents and/or guardians in the assessment process
•  To construct intervention recommendations and aftercare plans that are highly individualized and that specifically target those factors identified in the assessment phase that require support or skill building services

•  Innovative, research-based assessment protocol and practices that reflect the most comprehensive, fire-focused evaluation available within a residential setting
•  Collaborative consultation with Dr. Robert Stadolnik of FirePsych, Inc., a psychologist and leading authority on the assessment and treatment of firesetting behavior
•  Clinicians and case managers with firesetting-specific training and experience
•  Family friendly practices and environment
•  High quality childcare and milieu environment that supports assessment and treatment
•  Strong aftercare planning and community resource identification

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