Operation Extinguish
Operation Extinguish (OE) is a model program originally developed by The Chrysalis Group and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services in 1984 to provide intervention and educational services for juvenile fire setters and their families. The program combines psychological evaluation and intervention with safety education in an effort to eliminate fire setting behavior.
Over 1200 juveniles have participated in the Operation Extinguish program in its 25 years. Operation Extinguish has redirected the lives of those juvenile fire setters and has prevented immeasurable loss of property and personal injury. The program is recognized by the National Association of Counties as one of the outstanding juvenile justice programs in the United States. With the loss of Montgomery County funding beginning July 1, 2010, Chrysalis will be offering the OE program independently.
Referrals to the OE program originate from:
- Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice
- Montgomery County Police Youth Division
- Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Service
- Juvenile Court
- Parents
- Schools
- Attorneys
- Other agencies such as hospitals, residential treatment centers & mental health clinics
The program consists of three major elements:
- Evaluation of youth and family—conducted at Chrysalis offices
- 3 psychoeducation classes—held at the Chrysalis offices
- Additional recommendations for follow-up services as indicated
To make a referral to the program, email Chrysalis
at chrysalisgroup@verizon.net and include the youth’s and parents’
name, address, phone number, youth’s birth date, and details of the fire incident.
To find out more about the Operation Extinguish Program, contact Joanne Irving at (301) 983-5788 or at Joanne@The-Chrysalis-Group.com