Education and Training for Clinical Forensic Psychological Work with Juvenile Firesetting and Bomb Making

Abstract

Juvenile firesetting and bomb making (JFSB) represents an important international issue in several disciplines (e.g., education, law enforcement, fire service, social services, and clinical forensic psychology). An examination of policies, laws, and attitudes revolving around JFSB behaviors, reveals startling knowledge gaps that create significant detrimental impacts on public safety. These same concerns reinforce the primacy of broad general education and training for psychologists in this area. This article reviews critical training factors with respect to JFSB that should be included in the training of all psychologists working with youth, public safety, and community mental health and exposing trainees to interdisciplinary experiences that are vital to provision of clinical forensic services needed in these cases. One section speaks to the educational relevance of developing diagnostic (DSM-5 Quadrant) and culturally responsive intervention skills. Additionally, this article discusses the role of practicums and advanced practicums, through which exposure to the many clinical forensic contours of JFSB cases, function as a proficient training platform. Finally, the article draws conclusions and offers future directions for education and training.