UK ministers propose strict penalties for parents over youth offences

UPDATE - follow-up to Parents in England and Wales could be fined or jailed for child's crimes, minister says - theguardian.com: Ministers in England and Wales are considering tough new legal measures that could hold parents directly responsible for crimes committed by their children. Under the proposed plans, mothers and fathers face the risk of heavy financial fines or even prison time if their children repeatedly break the law. Officials indicate the move aims to tackle rising youth disorder and push families to take greater control over youth behavior. Legal experts and civil rights groups are currently reviewing the potential implications of these proposed penalties on family structures.