Will a child be charged in the fires?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20071107/us_time/willachildbechargedinthefires
<snip>
The 10-year-old boy who accidentally started one of the worst California wildfires last month could face stern consequences, should prosecutors decide to bring charges. Though too young to be charged as an adult, the boy could still face millions of dollars in fines, removal from his home and possible detention as a ward of the state. For now the boy's fate - and that of his parents, who would be partially liable for any restitution payments he would have to pay - rests with Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley. His office told TIME he has not yet decided how to proceed. "The matter is under review," spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons told TIME on Monday. "No decision has been made."

(my emphasis in the copy, btw)

yeah, the kid probably knew right from wrong, but geez....removal from his home??
Seems a bit harsh to me....I'm sure the parents are bummin', regardless.

Just a couple of references, but have known for years that setting fires can be one of the indicators of children who are physically abused


http://consumerlawpage.com/article/child_abuse.shtml

<snip>
Physical abuse of children includes all non-accidental physical injury caused by the child's caretaker. Indicators of children who are experiencing, or have experienced, physical abuse include:

* aggressive behavior, property destruction, or withdrawal
* fire setting
* injury to animals
* swelling, tenderness, and vomiting due to abdominal injuries
* repeated bruising, cuts, sprains
* swelling, dizziness, blackout, and/or retinal detachment due to head injuries
* fear of adult contact



http://www.volunteermatch.org/orgs/org47437.html
<snip>
Children, who are referred to CAUSES from 62 local child welfare agencies, may experience: severe shock, severely disrupted growth and development, multiple placements/history of disrupted placements, inappropriate sexual behavior, fire-setting, school adjustment issues, delinquent behavior, aggressive/violent behavior, and drug use.

:thumbsup:


:hi:

Anyone older than 7 is old enough to know the difference, and anything committed by a 7 year old or younger is considered to be the caretakers' responsibility. Theoretically, if your 3 year old hit a stranger, then you could be charged with battery. Theoretically.

This case will go down politically. There's every possibility that the kid was unsupervised, had crappy parents, and was just plain evil and knew exactly what he could cause. There's also the possibility that he was just a kid doing stupid stuff, and officials will do whatever they deem is most politically expedient in this case.

At the very least, his parents are screwed civilly.

hopefully there's still the possibility he can recover and make better choices in his future.

:silly: :dunce:

Fire is way cool when you're ten.

came forth and admitted how he had done it, and was extremely remorseful.