Parents are increasingly being held responsible for their children’s crimes

When children or teenagers get into trouble, one question quickly follows: where were their parents? That question is now shaping policy debates in communities responding to concerns about youth crime and public disorder.

Lawmakers and prosecutors are exploring several ways to hold parents accountable. Proposals include enforcing existing laws that allow fines, imposing youth curfews, and requiring parents to perform community service or pay penalties. Such measures have been considered in Albany County, New York, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio.

The approach has also produced new legislation. A Louisiana law that took effect earlier this month allows courts to fine parents or guardians as much as $5,000 when a young person aged 14 or older is convicted of making a school threat.

Yet experts caution that the policies have little demonstrated effect. The debate continues as officials search for responses to youth crime and disorder, while questions remain about whether punishing parents changes children’s conduct.