§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government have any plans to increase the accountability of parents and guardians for offences caused by persons under the age of 17 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenParents are not responsible in law for criminal offences committed by their children. Where juveniles are convicted of a criminal offence the courts are required (except in certain circumstances) to order their parents or guardians to pay any fines or other financial penalties that may be imposed. The Criminal Justice Bill extends this requirement to fines imposed as a sanction for breach of supervision orders and community service orders.