Under a new ordinance in a New Jersey town, parents can be fined and even charged for their children’s unruly behavior.
The Township of Gloucester has introduced the Minors and Parents Responsibility Ordinance, which outlines penalties, including potential jail time, for parents and guardians who “fail to prevent their children from breaking the law,” as stated in a police news release.
Approved by the Township Council on July 28, the ordinance was proposed following instances of public disturbances caused by minors at events such as the previous Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show.
According to the department, “If a child consistently faces convictions in juvenile court, their guardian risks up to 90 days in prison and/or a fine reaching $2,000.”
Guardians will be issued a warning before a citation, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said, according to NewJersey.com.
Guardians will be issued a warning before a citation, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said. (Gloucester Township Police Department)
He further clarified, “Our ordinance was inspired by similar policies in other towns. We’re not the first to implement this, but likely the largest municipality to do so.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Gloucester Township Police Department for comment.
Gloucester Township is about 15 miles from Philadelphia.
