Parents are generally responsible for (have liability for) intentional, willful, and malicious property damage done by their minor child. Parents may also be liable for the negligent acts of their minor child if the parents were (1) negligent in supervising the child (negligent supervision), or (2) negligent in entrusting the use of a car, gun, boat, motorcycle, or other item (often called an instrumentality) to the child (negligent entrustment).

These parental liability laws vary from state to state; often include age and monetary limits; and may be included in your state’s statutes—often in the family code.

In Arkansas, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful property damage caused by their minor children. This is in line with the general principle that parents are responsible for the actions of their minor children when those actions result in damage or harm. Specifically, Arkansas law may hold parents civilly liable for the acts of their children under certain conditions, such as when a child willfully or maliciously causes property damage. Additionally, parents may be liable for negligent supervision if it can be shown that they failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, which then led to damage or injury. Similarly, the concept of negligent entrustment applies when parents allow their minor children to use an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes harm due to their inability or incompetence to handle the item safely. The specifics of these liabilities, including any age and monetary limits, are detailed in the state's statutes, which may be found in sections related to family law or civil damages.