New Jersey Law Targets Parents of Misbehaving Children

In Gloucester Township, New Jersey, parents may face jail time and fines if their children misbehave. A recently enacted law, introduced in late July, holds parents accountable for their children’s actions, particularly when it comes to public disturbances. If a minor is convicted of multiple offenses, their caregivers could face up to three months in prison.

Alex Bauer, who heads the Bergen County branch of the parental rights organization Mama, expressed concern, saying, “My parents are pretty upset. They’re feeling overwhelmed by this.”

This ordinance came about following a significant altercation last year involving around 500 minors at Gloucester Township Day and the Drone Show. Reports indicated that eleven individuals were arrested, including nine teenagers, with three police officers sustaining injuries.

The law covers various juvenile offenses, including “disorderly conduct,” “immorality,” and property damage, alongside more serious crimes like assault and drug-related issues. For those found guilty multiple times in juvenile court, the penalties for parents could reach up to $2,000, according to the Gloucester Township Police’s announcements.

Police Chief David Harkins explained that the law provides general guidance, starting with a warning to parents regarding their children’s misconduct. “Our ordinances were modeled after those from other towns,” Harkins noted, mentioning Wildwood. “We might not be the first, but we are a larger community to implement it.”

Located just eight miles from Philadelphia, Gloucester Township has a population close to 66,900. Mayor David Mayer backs the law, asserting the need for parental accountability.

However, some parents, like Bougher, a mother of three, regard the law as excessive and believe it undermines parental authority. “This sets a dangerous precedent,” she remarked, questioning the law’s alignment with existing state policies. Bougher referenced New Jersey’s Education Policy 5756, which allows teachers to withhold information from parents regarding their children’s gender identities, claiming it infringes on parental rights.

“It feels like a contradiction,” she added. “How can I hold my parents accountable if they don’t have the full picture?”

Nicole Stouffer, an organizer with The New Jersey Project, criticized the law, suggesting that a 90-day jail sentence is disproportionate. “What about parents with multiple kids? How do they manage if one ends up in jail?” she questioned, expressing concern for the broader implications of such policies.

Stouffer attributed these issues to post-pandemic shifts in law enforcement, suggesting a need for proactive measures rather than punitive actions against parents. “We need to empower police to do their jobs rather than penalizing parents for circumstances beyond their control,” she concluded.