Parents and guardians in Gloucester Township could face fines or jail time if they fail to prevent their children from committing certain offenses, under a new ordinance approved by the Township Council on July 28, 2025.
The “Minors and Parents Responsibility Ordinance” makes adults responsible for preventing minors under their care from engaging in conduct ranging from felonies to lesser infractions such as loitering, breaking curfew or chronic truancy.
The measure was introduced following several high-profile incidents of youth disturbances, including a large fight during the 2024 Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show that resulted in 11 arrests — nine of them juveniles — and injuries to three police officers.
According to township police, the ordinance outlines 28 offenses that could trigger parental liability.
These include criminal acts such as assault, destruction of property, drug-related violations, and motor vehicle offenses (excluding parking), as well as municipal code violations such as loitering, public drunkenness, and indecent exposure. Lesser offenses such as habitual truancy, curfew violations, or associating with known criminals are also covered.
If a minor is repeatedly found guilty in juvenile court of any of the listed offenses, their parent, guardian, or caretaker could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. Before a citation is issued, a warning will be given, Police Chief David Harkins said.
“Our ordinance was actually sampled from other towns,” Harkins noted. “We’re not necessarily the first, but we’re probably the first bigger town to adopt it.”
The township said the law takes effect immediately. A full copy of Chapter 39 of the Township Code is available on the Gloucester Township Police Department’s website.