Journal of Forensic Research

Andrea Fessler

Publications

• Conference Proceeding
  Towards a Forensic Psychological Evaluation of Juvenile Fire Setters: Parent Power
  Author(s): Ronn Johnson, Andrea Fessler, Magdalene Wilhelm and Alejandra StepenskyRonn Johnson, Andrea Fessler, Magdalene Wilhelm and Alejandra Stepensky
  
  Parents can provide information and insight critical to the understanding and treatment of clinical and forensic psychological issues presented by juvenile fire setters. Better inclusion of parents may improve treatment outcomes, and thus promote public safety. Forensic assessments of juvenile fire setters (JFSB) often reveal emotional discord (e.g., anxiety, depression, social, trauma-related stress). The intentional features of a juvenile’s case meet the FBI criteria for arson-related behaviors. Risk assessment by mental health professionals is imperative to try to anticipate the threat of repeat behavior. The ratings can then be used by a diverse group of professionals (e.g., psychosocial service providers, legal agencies, prosecutors, and probation officers). Parents are powerful (though sometimes reluctant) informants, who .. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2157-7145.1000214

  Abstract PDF