Good parenting cannot be legislated - even with the threat of a $2,500 fine or jail time to hold parents more accountable.

The measure, proposed by State Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D., Phila.), would essentially punish parents for their children's illegal behavior. Bad parents could be put behind bars for up to a year if their youngsters are chronically in trouble and the parents did little or nothing to change bad behavior.

Under the Parent Accountability Act, the third-degree misdemeanor charge could be dismissed if the parents and children complete a program that includes a series of classes.

Supporters say the bill would force parents to understand the responsibilities of raising their children. Those are worthy goals, but the bill is fundamentally flawed and unworkable.

As popular as the idea may sound at first, it is difficult to hold someone else - even a mom or dad - responsible for the actions of another person.

Who will determine if a parent is bad? Different folks have different standards regarding parenting skills. If the parent is truly bad, does that mean the grandparents are to blame for not teaching their child how to be a good parent?

Williams, who is running for governor, insists that parents who have tried to teach their offspring to comply with the law would not be targeted. In other words, parents could get an A for effort, even if their child is a bad seed?

Further, there is little evidence to suggest that the legislation would encourage bad parents to do a better job. There are already laws on the books that could be used to fine parents of children convicted of injuring others.

The bill would also unduly punish single parents. Who would care for any children left at home while a parent served jail time?

Encouraging parents to attend voluntary classes to improve their skills offers a better alternative. The city school district offers classes for that purpose.

America needs better and responsible parents to raise better kids. But threatening to throw them in jail is not the answer.