Parents accountable for teen crimes

MOBILE, Ala. - One Mobile mother, who didn't want to be identified, fears her son is heading down a troubled path. "I am afraid he will be killed or kill someone," said the woman. "I try to provide positive role models for him, but it is hard." She's at her wit's end trying to make him see the rough ride that lies ahead.

Judge Edmond Naman knows all too well the trouble some teens face, and he said it's getting worse. "Tell everybody you know we are fighting a war with the heart and soul of our children," said Naman. "A war with many fronts, deadliest is the gun war."

As of April 30th, the number of weapon offenses involving teens in 2009 stands at 47, that's more than the whole year of 2005, back then there was only 40. So far this year, there are six 14 or 15-year-olds charged with murder. There were seven total in 2008. Judge Naman believes that number will be surpassed by year's end. "Last year was horrible with seven murders," said Naman. "This year is on par to be much worse."

The Judge Naman attributes the rise in juvenile violent crime to a lack of parental involvement child's life. "Parents get involved, know what your child is doing. Know who their friends are, what they are bringing into your home, demand they get rid of the friends that are poor influences," said Naman.

Or you could end up in Parental Responsibility court, it's for parents who have been referred by their child's probation officer for everything from not paying fines, to making sure the child attends required meetings.

"We also have a program called child in need of supervision," said Naman. "Where a kid is really in danger can come to the court and stand with this court and get the help they need. But a parent has to be involved too." Before another teen ends up dead or behind bars.

Last year there were 146 weapon related charges involving 14 or 15-year-olds in Mobile County.