Parents are being held responsible for their kids’ crimes under new laws

By: Amanda Watford

Outlets: Stateline

Published: August 17, 2026

Words: 1,657

Last Updated: 4 hours, 34 minutes ago

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When young children and teenagers get into trouble, the question often comes quickly: Where were their parents?

That question is again shaping public policy in communities across the country, as state and local lawmakers and prosecutors increasingly look for ways to respond to concerns about youth crime and public disorder.

Some proposals would strengthen enforcement of existing laws that allow parents to be fined or otherwise held responsible for their children’s conduct. Others would impose …

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