Hot Topic (8/14): Should parents be disciplined for kids' crimes?
Poll
Question: Do You Think Parents Should Be Disciplined for Kids' Crimes?
Total Votes: 31
Parents Disciplined for Kids' Crimes
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The ordinance imposes fines and jail time for parents of children who are reprimanded in any way that requires them to appear in court.
Eastpointe Police Chief Michael Lauretti said his department has little patience for parents who don't take responsibility for their children.
"Well, yeah, you're the parent, you're responsible. We're going to hold you responsible," Lauretti said.
The ordinance means any activity would go on parents' permanent record.
A warning will be issued first. But a fine of up to $500 and a sentence of up to 30 days in jail for a first offense follows. Jail time jumps to 93 days in jail for a second offense.
Eastpointe parent Kimberly Harvey said she's OK with the ordinance.
"I think that's a good thing. A lot of people don't control kids anymore," Harvey said.
But resident Delance Lanier said it's not practical to assume that parents will always be with their children and know what they're doing.
"Nah, I think they shouldn't get in trouble 'cause they might not know what their kids are doing outside their homes," Lanier said.
Lauretti said it all comes down to parents being involved and responsible.
"Mom and dad are actually going to come and pick up little Johnny and deal with it," he said. "That's the purpose of the parental responsibility ordinance."
Lauretti said there other metro Detroit cities that have similar ordinances.
bwahahaha... if these parents aren't disciplining their kids enough to begin with, is locking them up in jail for a month and taking away their income *really* going to make the situation better?!?!?!
no way!
i think it's dumb and i wouldn't want this where i live. I know that, sadly, in some instances the parents really DON'T supervise and discipline their minor children properly, but then there are parents who do, parents who are working too much to be able too, and parents who have tried and somehow failed.
i just don't think this is reasonable.
Yes It really depends on the what the child had done and how many times the child has been "picked" up for this "crime"
Quoting tericared:
Depends on the kid and what they had done, how many times... I wish the parents on my street could be help responsible for their kids actions..
I think that this is a little unfair. Not all parents of delinquents are bad parents. And its not always their faults. This should be taken on a case by case basis. If it can be shown that the child's behavior is due to neglectful parenting, then yes the parents should be punished. But its not always the case.
Heather
Proud Pagan Momma
"Fighting for Peace is like screwing for virginity."
Quoting hsteele:
I think that this is a little unfair. Not all parents of delinquents are bad parents. And its not always their faults. This should be taken on a case by case basis. If it can be shown that the child's behavior is due to neglectful parenting, then yes the parents should be punished. But its not always the case.
I agre with you all the way This is a stupid law. Think about how it is going to hurt the parents. I mean if you kid just does not care and does stupid stuff all the time. The parents got pay for it. Parents could lose their jobs, heck maybe lose their house. I do not think they saw the long term damage this could do
Quoting Godgaveme4:
What do you think? Do you think this type of ordinance will change the juvenile crime rate?I think it is crazy and stupid. And no I do not think it will prevent or change the crime rate. Most of the kids that get in trouble could care less who they hurt....including their parents. And what is this going to be teaching these kids? Not responsibility. If anything it will teach them that there is someone else to blame for their behavior.Would you like a similar ordinance in your area? Why or why not?Of course I would not want this in my area. I want my kids to be held accountable. If they break the law than they need to be punished for it. Not my husband and I.
I think that the parents and the child should be put on probation. During this time of probation they have to go to therapy and classes that will help them deal with this problem. If the child continues to be a problem, there should be a special lock down program for the child. I believe that the parents should participate by attending these programs after hours and weekends(so they can keep their jobs.) JMO
Luc and Emily my reason for breathing!
This is a bad idea... just because a child/teen gets into trouble does not mean it was because the parent just stopped taking responsibility as a parent. I could see unemployment rates increasing more than they are already. This just does not seem like an intelligent way to deal with kids. I agree that this is further teach them that somone else can pay for what they did.
Quoting Godgaveme4:
What do you think? Do you think this type of ordinance will change the juvenile crime rate?I think it is crazy and stupid. And no I do not think it will prevent or change the crime rate. Most of the kids that get in trouble could care less who they hurt....including their parents. And what is this going to be teaching these kids? Not responsibility. If anything it will teach them that there is someone else to blame for their behavior.Would you like a similar ordinance in your area? Why or why not?Of course I would not want this in my area. I want my kids to be held accountable. If they break the law than they need to be punished for it. Not my husband and I.
I agree with these answers. How many kids sneak out and their parents don't know about it? My brother did it ... should my parents have gone to jail because they didn't hear my brother sneaking out at night and he ended up getting in trouble? It's ridiculous.
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on Aug. 14, 2009 at 12:48 AM