It’s up to family, not government, to keep children out of trouble

I would like to comment on a paragraph in Erin Cox’s and Michael Dresser’s excellent article about the third televised debate for Democratic gubernatorial candidates (”Democrats emphasize their differences more,” June 6), which states:

“All seven candidates cast the teenagers — as well as [murdered Baltimore County Police Officer Amy] Caprio — as victims. They said the teenagers had been failed by the state in some way or another — either schools did not do enough to keep them out of trouble or the juvenile justice system did not do enough to rehabilitate them while they were in its care.”

I take strong exception to this position. It was the responsibility of their parents, including their biological fathers, to keep them out of trouble; to be responsible, supportive, and constructively engaged parents; to be good role models for them; to teach them right from wrong, to obey the law, and to treat others as they want to be treated; to enthusiastically support their education and encourage them to study hard in school as they strive to achieve their full potential, dreams, and careers and jobs; and to be responsible and productive citizens!

This is not the responsibility of the state of Maryland and the taxpayers of Maryland! All of us, and our elected leaders and representatives, must hold parents responsible and accountable for their children. Parents must not be given a free pass to be irresponsible.