In a bold move aimed at curbing youth misconduct, Gloucester Township, New Jersey, has adopted a new ordinance that holds parents and guardians legally responsible for their children’s unlawful behavior.
The Minors and Parents’ Responsibility Ordinance will penalize parents who “fail to prevent their children from breaking the law.”
The measure, which took effect immediately after its approval on July 28, allows for fines and even jail time for caregivers who fail to prevent repeated offenses by minors under their care.
The ordinance targets a wide range of misdeeds, including 28 different offenses from serious felonies to minor violations such as loitering, breaking curfew, or chronic truancy.
Glo Twp Minors And Parents Responsibility Ordnance- Adopted: July 28, 2025. The ordinance holds parents, legal guardians, or anyone responsible for a minor accountable for public disturbances caused by the child. pic.twitter.com/2QOReHsbwF
— GloucesterTwpPolice (@GloTwpPolice) August 7, 2025
The measure was introduced in response to escalating incidents of public disturbances involving minors, including a large brawl at the township’s annual Day and Drone Show last year, where 11 individuals, nine of them teenagers, were arrested, and three police officers were injured. There have also been severe disruptions at Veterans Park and a nearby shopping center involving juveniles.
Under the new rules, enforcement begins with a warning issued to parents or guardians following an initial incident. However, if a child is found guilty in juvenile court for repeated violations, the parents or guardians may face significant penalties, including up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
Officials have explained that each case will be handled individually, considering the specific circumstances to make sure that it is used reasonably.
“Our ordinance was actually sampled from other towns,” Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins told NewJersey.com. “We’re not necessarily the first, but we’re probably the first bigger town to adopt it.”
Gloucester Township has approximately 66,000 residents and is about 15 miles from Philadelphia.
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