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 Rhode Island, parents can be held liable for the intentional or malicious acts of property damage committed by their minor children. The state's parental liability laws are designed to hold parents accountable for the actions of their children to encourage proper supervision and control. Specifically, Rhode Island General Laws § 9-1-3 states that parents or legal guardians of a minor under the age of 18 can be held liable for up to $1,500 in damages for the willful or malicious acts of their child. Additionally, parents may be liable under the doctrine of negligent supervision if it can be shown that they failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, which led to the damage. Negligent entrustment can also apply if a parent negligently allows a child to use an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes damage or injury. These laws are subject to certain conditions and limitations, and the specific circumstances of each case can affect the application of liability.