CITY HALL — Parents who fail to stop their children from getting their hands on a gun could be punished under a measure introduced by Ald. Ed Burke (14th) and Ald. Ray Lopez (11th.)
Parents aware that one of their children younger than 17 possessed a firearm and failed to make a "reasonable effort" to get the weapon away from them could be sentenced to community service or forced to attend social service programs, according to the measure introduced Wednesday.
"We need to step forward and put in place a system that holds parents accountable while providing them with support services," Burke said.
The measure does not define "reasonable effort."
The measure was introduced after a spate of high-profile crimes linked to young Chicagoans.
In April, two boys, 15 and 12, were arrested in connection with a string of armed robberies in Woodlawn.
In addition, teenagers twice shot at police in June, officials said.
"The ultimate goal is keeping our children safe," Lopez said.
The council's Committee on Education and Child Development could consider the measure as soon as next month.
