Section 5503 - Establishing liability in criminal or juvenile proceedings

(a) General rule.--In any criminal proceeding against a child and in any proceeding against a child under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters), the court shall ascertain the amount sufficient to fully reimburse any person who has suffered injury because of the tortious act of the child and direct the parents to make payment in the amount not to exceed the limitations set forth in section 5505 (relating to monetary limits of liability). (b) Noncompliance with direction of court.--If the parents fail to comply with the direction of the court, the amount may be recovered in a civil action against the parents or either of them.