Latest news with #GloucesterTownship
Fox News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Should Parents be Liable for Child's Behavior?
Should the parents of juvenile delinquents be locked up too? I'm Tomi Lahren, more next. When you hear of juveniles behaving badly or criminally, it's not uncommon to wonder about their parenting or lack thereof. Well a new law passed this summer in Gloucester Township, New Jersey is taking the concept to new heights. It's called 'Minors and Parent Responsibility' and states that parents will be held 'accountable for public disturbances caused by' their child, AND could go to jail for 3 months if their offspring are found guilty of multiple offenses. The law is reportedly in response to a massive teen brawl that broke out in the township last year. The offenses covered under this law range from 'destruction of playground equipment' to 'loitering.' A child would have to be found guilty repeatedly in juvenile court before their parent or guardian could face 90 days in prison and/or a fine up to $2 thousand bucks. This might be a bit radical, but it's sure to have parents a lot more aware of their child's antics! I'm not against it. I'm Tomi Lahren and you can watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
The town rocked by youth violence where parents face jail time if their kids commit crime
Parents in a New Jersey township could be hit with fines or even jail time if their kids cause a public disturbance thanks to new rules brought in to curb antisocial behavior. Gloucester Township Council have adopted the new measure after a series of incidents involving 'unruly juveniles' ruining a town festival two years in a row. Last year the township's annual community day in June descended into chaos after around 500 people started causing disruptions, according to WPVI. Disruption ran on for two hours and resulted in the arrest of 10 juveniles aged between 13 and 17, along with two adults. Officers were reportedly spat on, cursed at and assaulted according to Police Chief David Harkins. This year the event was due to go ahead, but was postponed over threats of violence being made. Now new rules specify that parents of a minor who is found guilty of a first offense may be 'ordered to provide supervision of the minor'. Another offense could see the parent or legal guardian hit with a fine of $2,000, or face a jail sentence of 90 days, or both, the ordinance says. Speaking with ABC News, Chief Harkins emphasized that punishment isn't the primary goal with the new rules. He said: 'We're not looking to put anybody in jail. This is about warning parents and due process. 'We've gotten overwhelming support from our community. People recognize the need for parental responsibility.' Speaking on the youth violence, he added: 'I've never experienced anything like it in 30 years as a police officer the disrespect, the violent behavior that ruined a family event. 'We understand being a parent is a tough job. We're committed to giving help to those that need it. 'Many times interviewing the parents, they had no idea who their kids were with or what they were doing. That's got to change.' Harkins told the outlet that so far no parents have been charged since the new rules were brought in. Speaking with NewsNation, Mayor David Mayer said: 'We have a juvenile crisis in this country. This is not unique to Gloucester Township. 'It is symptomatic of a larger societal juvenile crisis. I'll tell you, I don't have all the answers. But one possible answer is to hold parents accountable for their children. 'We have to get parents' attention to make sure they're tracking their children, juveniles, in a proper way, and hold them responsible.' The outlet also spoke with parents who are outraged over the move and believe it has set a dangerous precedent. Alexandra Bougher with the group Moms for Liberty, told the outlet: 'Blaming parents for what a child does? They are their own person. 'Sure, the brain is not fully formed yet, but if they are getting the correct guidance, they should be making the right decisions, and they know the difference between right and wrong. 'And if they choose to do something wrong, that child should be held accountable for it, not the parent. 'I think if we start this, what does it open up? What else are we going to be at fault for? If a child gets in a car accident, is it my fault? I was at home.' Nicole Stouffer, founder of parental rights group 'The New Jersey Project', pointed to lax marijuana laws and changes in police policies. In a statement, the council said: 'By emphasizing parental accountability, the ordinance encourages guardians to be actively involved in guiding their children and preventing juvenile misconduct. 'This measure is part of the township's ongoing efforts to keep Gloucester Township safe and ensure it remains a community where residents and visitors can feel secure.'
Fox News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
‘Something's got to change!': NJ town targets parents of 'out of control' teens
Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins discusses a new town law that would hold parents accountable for their children's misconduct and the pushback it's facing from residents.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
New Jersey mayor defends township ordinance: 'It's time we hold parents responsible'
Gloucester Township, N.J., Mayor David Mayer explains an ordinance that would hold parents accountable for their children's unruly public behavior on 'America Reports.'
Fox News
09-08-2025
- Fox News
Parents could face jail time under New Jersey town's ordinance targeting children's unruly behavior
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 Minors and Parents Responsibility Ordinance stipulates consequences, including jail time, for parents and guardians who "fail to prevent their children from breaking the law," according to a news release from police. The ordinance was passed by the Township Council July 28 and was introduced after incidents of public disturbance involving kids at events like last year's Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show. During that event, a large brawl involving teens broke out, and 11 people were arrested, including nine teenagers, according to Three police officers were also injured during the melee. The event was postponed this year, the outlet reported, because social media posts suggested similar behavior was planned. The ordinance includes 28 different offenses that range from felonies to minor infractions such as loitering, breaking curfew or chronic truancy. "If a child is repeatedly found guilty in juvenile court, their caretaker could face up to 90 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000," the department said. Guardians will be issued a warning before a citation, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said, according to "Our ordinance was actually sampled from other towns," he explained. "We're not necessarily the first, but we're probably the first bigger town to adopt it." Fox News Digital has reached out to the Gloucester Township Police Department for comment. Gloucester Township is about 15 miles from Philadelphia.
