What Gloucester Township’s New Ordinance Means for Families

Imagine being told you could face jail time not for something you did, but for something your teenager did. That’s the unsettling reality now facing families in Gloucester Township, New Jersey. In July 2025, township officials enacted the “Minors and Parent Responsibility” ordinance, one of the first measures in the state to hold parents liable for repeat juvenile offenses.

For parents, this raises urgent questions. Could you really be fined or even arrested because of your child’s mistakes? What does the ordinance actually say, and how far could it go in the future?

At The Law Office of John B. Brennan, I’ve spent my career defending both juvenile and adult clients against criminal charges in New Jersey. As a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney and former prosecutor, I know how quickly a single charge can escalate into a life-changing legal problem. This blog will explain what the Gloucester Township ordinance does, why it was passed, and what it means for families across South Jersey.

What the “Minors and Parent Responsibility” Ordinance Actually Says

The “Minors and Parent Responsibility” Ordinance, adopted on July 28, 2025, makes parents and guardians legally accountable if their child under 18 is adjudicated delinquent (the juvenile-court equivalent of a guilty finding) for certain offenses. This makes Gloucester Township one of the first municipalities in New Jersey to hold parents directly responsible for juvenile behavior in this way.

Here’s what you need to know:

Penalties for Parents

Police can issue a warning and encourage corrective action before pursuing charges, depending on the circumstances. If a child continues to offend, the parent may face fines of up to $2,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

Covered Offenses

The ordinance applies if a minor is adjudicated delinquent for any of 28 listed violations. These span a wide range of conduct, from serious crimes to relatively minor misbehavior.

Examples include:

• Serious charges such as assault, robbery, theft, drug-related offenses, mugging, or vandalism.
• Property-related acts like graffiti, destroying another person’s property, or damaging public parks and playground equipment.
• Public order and disorderly persons offenses that include truancy, habitual vagrancy, loitering (including in groups), curfew violations, begging, public drunkenness, consuming alcohol in the street, or indecent exposure.
• Traffic violations under New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Code (Title 39), with the exception of parking violations.
• Broad and vague categories such as “immorality,” “associating with immoral persons,” “incorrigibility,” “growing up in idleness,” “lack of supervision,” or “deportment endangering morals, health, or welfare.” These terms leave room for interpretation, making it difficult for parents to know exactly what is expected and raising concerns about consistent enforcement.

In other words, the ordinance does not target only violent or drug-related crimes. It sweeps in a mix of offenses, some very serious and others far less clear. Parents could face liability for their child’s repeated involvement in any of these categories.

Focus on Repeat Behavior

Parents face penalties only if their child is adjudicated delinquent more than once, meaning a second offense triggers liability, not a single incident.

Why Was This Ordinance Passed?

The ordinance was created in response to several public disturbances involving large groups of minors. The most notable incident occurred during the 2024 Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show, where about 500 juveniles caused widespread disruption. Eleven minors were arrested, three police officers were injured, and the township ultimately canceled the annual event.

Township leaders explained that they needed a new way to encourage greater parental involvement, arguing that parents who fail to supervise their children should share responsibility when repeated crimes occur. Officials emphasized that prosecution is intended as a last resort, with education and corrective steps prioritized before seeking fines or jail time.

What This Means for Parents in New Jersey

At this point, the “Minors and Parent Responsibility” ordinance applies only in Gloucester Township. Parents elsewhere in New Jersey are not subject to these penalties because it is a local ordinance, not a statewide law.

For families, this creates two levels of concern:

• Immediate risk: Parents in Gloucester Township may face penalties if their child is adjudicated delinquent on multiple covered offenses.
• Potential future expansion: Other municipalities may consider adopting similar measures if this ordinance is seen as effective.

It’s also important to note that enforcement may vary, particularly where the ordinance relies on broad or subjective terms.

As of August 2025, no parents have been prosecuted under the ordinance.

How This Connects to Juvenile Defense in New Jersey

Juvenile offenses already carry serious consequences, including probation, detention, or fines for the child. Gloucester Township’s ordinance raises the stakes, since parents themselves can now face criminal charges tied to their child’s repeat behavior.

At The Law Office of John B. Brennan, I regularly represent clients in cases involving:

• Juvenile matters such as shoplifting, vandalism, drug charges, and underage drinking.
• Disorderly conduct and related offenses included in this ordinance.
• Situations where legal action could impact both a child’s record and a parent’s rights.

What Should Parents Do if Their Child Gets in Trouble?

If your child is accused of a crime in Gloucester Township or elsewhere in New Jersey, here are the steps you should take:

• Take the charges seriously. Even minor offenses can escalate if repeated.
• Get legal representation right away. Juvenile court has unique rules and procedures.
• Document your efforts. Keep records showing you supervised your child, sought counseling, or worked with schools. This can help demonstrate to the court that you took reasonable steps.
• Stay engaged. Attend hearings and communicate with your child’s attorney and probation officer.

Taking a proactive approach is the best way to protect both your child’s future and your own legal standing.

Why Legal Guidance Is Essential Now

This ordinance shows how quickly local laws can shift and put families at risk. Having an attorney who understands both juvenile and adult criminal processes can make the difference between being blindsided and being prepared.

As both a former prosecutor and Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, I understand the pressures families face when a child is accused of wrongdoing. My practice focuses on helping adults and juveniles across South Jersey navigate these challenges with clear guidance and strong advocacy.

Whether your child is facing their first juvenile charge or is already dealing with repeat allegations, getting the right legal advice can make all the difference.

How to Get the Help You Need to Protect Yourself and Your Child

Gloucester Township’s new parent liability ordinance is the first of its kind in New Jersey. While it currently applies only within the township, other municipalities may look at similar measures. That means the risks for parents could grow beyond Gloucester in the future.

If your child has been accused of an offense, or if you are worried about how this ordinance could affect your family, now is the time to get legal guidance.

At The Law Office of John B. Brennan, I represent juveniles and adults throughout Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic, and nearby counties. I am committed to providing straightforward advice, strong representation, and steady support to help you protect your rights, your freedom, and your family’s future. Contact me today to arrange a confidential consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The Gloucester Township ordinance described here does not apply statewide in New Jersey as of August 2025. Laws may change, and enforcement can vary. If you or your child is facing charges, consult a qualified New Jersey criminal defense attorney about your specific situation.