What rights does a parent have to look at their minor (16) childs employee records?

Question

If a minor child made a claim of sexual harassment that resulted in the firing of another employee are the employers required to tell the parents or the police? What right does the parent have and can the parent press charges on the individual or is that up to the minor? This in Virginia and a timely response will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The employers have no right to interview a 16 year-old without telling the parent, especially around abuse!

It sounds like they failed to report Child Abuse, which is a crime and Failed to make a criminal report!

They are trying to cover it up by firing the perpetrator!

You, as a parent have every legal right to your child's records, and the police should be told before this person does it to someone else.

The prosecutor will likely have the last word on whether the person is prosecuted!

It sounds to me like you should get a lawyer because you probably will end up owning the business!!

Answer 2

It would depend upon your state's laws. Best way to find out? Speak to an attorney.

Many places, the employment is between the employee and the company - parent's are not involved. I would think that in the case of a minor child being involved, the parents would have to be involved as well.

As for the claim - that is supposed to be confidential. There is no right of disclosure of the complaintant. The company did their jobs - they fired the one committing the harassment. The district attorney is the one that decides to file charges or not. That would be the point of naming the complaining witness, and getting the parents involved. I don't see where informing the parents is the responsibility of the company - that is the responsibility and choice of the minor.