Phillipsburg, New Jersey, adds town code allowing penalties for parents of minors who repeatedly break the law

Phillipsburg, in Warren County, New Jersey, has created a new chapter in its town code called “Minors and Parental Responsibility,” which sets out potential consequences for parents of underage offenders.

The rule is aimed at parents, guardians and other adults responsible for supervising minors. It would hold them accountable when they “encourage, contribute to, or fail to adequately supervise behavior” that violates the law or town code.

The chapter lists vandalism, drug and alcohol use, violence, and traffic violations, excluding parking offenses, among the offenses that could lead to parental penalties. The source does not describe a specific case under the chapter or state the ages of any children involved.

Enforcement depends on repeat conduct. If a minor is found guilty of vandalism, the parent or guardian could be summoned before Phillipsburg Municipal Court and ordered to provide supervision. If the minor is found guilty of breaking the law a second time, the new code could go into effect and the parent could face penalties. Holding adults to their duty to supervise children reflects the call to raise them well (Proverbs 22:6).

The penalties can vary and can include up to $2,000 in fines, up to 90 days in prison, and up to 90 days of community service, according to the new town code chapter.

Source: Read the original report