Parents in Grand Coteau are facing charges for the crimes their kids are accused of. It's the police department's way of cutting down on a spike in juvenile crime since school has let out.
Assistant Police Chief Mike Buck says only a handful of kids are causing problems here in the town of Grand Coteau.
He says kids have become repeat offenders by either breaking curfew, breaking into homes and wandering in areas they don't belong. Buck believes kids know the juvenile system as well as they do and challenge police. After kids have several offenses, parents can face charges.
"We decided to start charging the parents and sending them to stand in front of the judge to explain why their child is getting in trouble. The charge is a failure to supervise or properly govern. Until that child is 18, the parent is responsible for their kid's actions.