Burns and fires are the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children under the age of 14 and 40 percent of the fires that kill young children are started by children playing with fire. Arson has the highest rate of juvenile involvement of any crime with 55 percent of all arson arrests in the U.S. committed by children under the age of 18. Juvenile arson and youth-set fires result in more than 300 deaths and 2,000 injuries annually as well as $300 million in property damage.

Straight Talk was developed in 1998 by the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center. This family oriented, hospital-based program targets youth age 8-17 who exhibit high-risk behavior associated with fire play, fire setting or juvenile arson. Since curiosity is powerful motivation for children, interactive education is a critical component of prevention.

Straight Talk addresses the medical and social consequences associated with devastating burn injuries. Medical professionals, an injury prevention specialist and local fire departments provide the families with materials and techniques necessary to promote a safe home environment and prevent fire related injuries.

Children do not believe they or anyone else will be injured by a fire they set. They do not think about the fire extending beyond the object they are igniting. Our staff is dedicated to providing the educational experience needed to help deter high-risk behavior. The goal of the program is to reduce the recurrence rate of youth fire experimentation.

Class Schedule

February 12, 2008
April 8, 2008
June 24, 2008
August 12, 2008
October 14, 2008
December 2, 2008

Straight Talk referral sources

Probate Courts-Juvenile Division
Fire service agencies
Schools
Police agencies
Social service agencies
Youth assistance programs
Parent referrals

Straight Talk facts

Offered by The Trauma Burn Center at no charge to participants
Tuesdays, on a bi-monthly basis from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mandatory participation of a parent or guardian is required
Straight talk requires a completed referral from one of the above referral sources

Straight Talk Prevention Education is presented by

The University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center
Department of Physical Therapy
Department of Occupational Therapy
Department of Social Work
Local fire service agencies

Straight Talk is funded through donations

FRIENDS of the University Hospitals, Bloomfield Township Fire Department and the support of many other community organizations make this free program possible.

Straight Talk referral process

Refer any youth age 8-17 who are at risk for, or exhibit high-risk behavior associated with fire play, fire setting or juvenile arson.

Complete a referral form. Fax it to: (734) 998-8453
Referral Form (PDF)
Complete a Waiver Disclosure form. (This is for referring schools, fire departments, police departments and social service agencies. Parent initiated referrals need not complete.) Fax it to: (734) 998-8453
Disclosure Form (PDF)
Provide each custodial parent or legal guardian with:
Straight Talk Family Information Forms (PDF).
Parent/legal guardian must call and schedule their child/children into the Straight Talk program within one week of referral submission. To schedule call (734) 998-8451.

Following the program:

It is the parent/legal guardian's responsibility to return the Straight Talk Program Certificate of Completion to your agency within one week of attending Straight Talk.
Referring agency will be contacted immediately if youth does not attend the Straight Talk program.

For additional information please contact:

Karla Klas, RN, BSN, CCRP
Straight Talk Program Coordinator
Injury Prevention Education Specialist
Phone: (734) 998-8450
E-mail: kahrns@umich.edu

Straight Talk is also available at Hurley Medical Center in Flint.

Click here for Hurley Straight Talk Forms, Schedule & Contact Information