These juveniles usually set fires alone. They may use solvents, and the fire itself has a symbolic meaning. Fire is used to destroy something personal, such as their mother's clothes or bed, and they are acting out of jealousy or revenge. Often juvenile arsonists in this category are adopted or have a history of foster care. These pre-teens are crying for help.
Outside intervention is almost always a necessity.
Counseling to uncover the source of the anger, and thus to resolve it, is a crucial step, along with communication or alteration with parental involvement. Studies suggest these children are often disobedient and should be disciplined, but that different approaches are in order. The removal of privileges, rather than corporal punishment, is a step, but the removal of privileges cannot eliminate continued isolation or withdrawal from the child's peers. In addition, social programs are needed to help correct physical deformities. These children may have poor eyesight, speech deformities or inadequate hearing.