Straight Talk

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Straight Talk was chosen by the United States Fire Administration and its national partners to be highlighted as 1 of only 8 exemplary prevention and intervention programs in the U.S. for the Arson Awareness Week "Prevent Youth Firesetting."  Read More  It was selected as a Vision 20/20 Model Performance in Community Risk Reduction program(link is external).  Additionally, we were the recipient of the 2023 Safe States Alliance (link is external)Injury and Violence Prevention Achievement Award for the “innovative and evidence-based approach to comprehensively addressing youth firesetting and injuries."  View the 2023 USFA Arson Awareness Week Webinar "Understanding and Mitigating Youth Firesetting Issues - A Guide to Success"(link is external) and NFPA Podcast "Trauma and Risk"(link is external) presented by the Trauma Burn Center's Karla Klas.

A family-oriented program targeting youth 8 - 17 (for children less than 8 years contact us for options) who exhibit behaviors associated with the misuse of fire, such as:  playing with matches or lighters, using accelerants, firesetting, fireworks, bottle bombs, arson, etc.  It is also for youth who have observed others playing with fire or who are at risk for experimentation. Firefighters, arson police, social workers, an injury prevention nurse, an occupational therapist, lab personnel, and burn survivors teach the medical, social, legal, and financial consequences associated with the misuse of fire.  Youth and their families receive interactive education and techniques to promote a safe home environment and prevent injuries.  Straight Talk is provided to families free of charge.

 

Upcoming 2025 dates for in-person classes


>> View our full list(link is external) of upcoming classes.

 

Straight Talk Facts

  • Offered by The Trauma Burn Center at no charge to participants.
  • Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Custodial parent(s) or legal guardian must attend with the child for the entire program. Siblings or other related youth may also attend for education if they are more than 8 years old.
  • For children less than 8 years old, please contact us(link sends e-mail) for options.
  • To refer, see "Straight Talk Referral Process" below.