Christian Democrats want parents to pay for kids' vandalism

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The parents of juveniles convicted of vandalism may soon be responsible for any damages caused by their children.

Dutch daily AD reported on Tuesday that the Christian Democrats (CDA) are proposed new legislation to this effect.

According to the paper, a majority of MPs support the plan. Currently, parents are only responsible for damage caused by children older than 14, as long as they were aware that the vandalism would take place. Often, juveniles do not have the means to pay damages - which leaves victims empty-handed.

Under the new plan, parents could later ask the court to order their adult children pay them back.

(dcf/imm)