Parents are legally liable for the actions of their children when: The child is known for doing that action The parent knows about it The parent doesn’t stop the child It causes harm Colorado law makes the parent directly liable for their child’s wrongful acts. Technically, they’re not vicariously liable but rather directly liable. In addition, Colorado parental responsibility laws make the parent of a minor child liable for willful, malicious, or intentional bodily injury or property damage (Colorado Rev. Stat. § 13-21-107⁴). Parental responsibility also covers shoplifting (Colorado Rev. Stat. § 13-21-107.5⁵).