New Jersey § 2a:53a-14

§ 2a:53a-14.

The Legislature finds that malicious acts of vandalism by youths are increasing at

an alarming rate; that such acts are frequently attributable to lack of care, custody

and control exercised by the parent; that parents should have some responsibility

for the conduct of their children; that while there is a reluctance to charge a child

with juvenile delinquency there should be some legal deterrent to juvenile acts of

vandalism and to parental neglect of child supervision. The Legislature therefore finds it desirable to establish a civil procedure for

the recovery of damages for such acts from the neglectful parent, guardian or other

person having legal custody of the child who caused such damage.