Parents aren't always the ones to blame, though. You have some 16 year old girl that makes great grades, and seems to be perfect. She plays for the softball team, and does community service. She rarely gets into disciplinary problems with the parents. One night, she lies to her parents, says she is going to a movie, but instead goes to a party with her friend. There, she tries some illegal drugs for the first time. She becomes an addict, but does a good job covering it up. She gets busted by a cop one night while getting a speeding ticket.
Is it the parents' fault? Now, I know "illegal drugs" may appear not as bad as murdering someone, but I think my point still comes across. It's not always the parents' fault, and for it to be it all the time is only a cop out. The kid knew what she was doing. She deserves 100% of the blame. Getting rid of the Youth Criminal Justice Act may be a good idea, but let the kid get the full on blame that is deserved.