Today the Hamilton Spectator has run a story about a town council in
southwestern Ontario passing a youth curfew bylaw.
"The bylaw, now in effect, says children under 16 can't be out unsupervised
after midnight.  Exceptions would be made for children returning from jobs
or attending an organized event.
The parents of children who break curfew could be fined up to $200.00, even
though it's unclear if the city has the legal right to impose fines or a
curfew.  The bylaw mirrors a section of the Child and Family Services Act
that says people under 16 can't be out between midnight and 6 a.m. unless
accompanied by an adult." (Hamilton Spectator, Thurs. Nov. 4, 1999).

Does anyone out there know of evidence in the literature in support, or not
in support of this practice?  Any lessons learned from experience with such
a curfew in your community?  If your community has looked at this option and
accepted or refuted it, what other options did stakeholders consider??
I would appreciate comments, leads, discussion.

Shelley Rusnell
e-mail:         [log in to unmask]