Parental responsibility (criminal)

In Canada, the term parental responsibility refers to the potential or actual liability that may be incurred by parents for the behaviour of their children.

Parental responsibility legislation has been enacted in three Canadian provinces: Manitoba (1997), Ontario (2000), and British-Columbia (2001).

Under the Parental Responsibility Act, 2000, a "child" is anyone under the age of 18 years, and "parent" means:

• either the biological, adoptive, or legal guardian parent of the child,
• or the person who has lawful custody of, or a right of access to, the child.

The Small Claims Court may order such parents to compensate those suffering any loss or damage intentionally caused by their child, unless the parent was exercising reasonable supervision over the child at the time the child engaged in the activity that caused the loss or damage and made reasonable efforts to prevent or discourage the child from engaging in the kind of activity that resulted in the loss or damage. (see http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/00p04_e.htm).