Juvenile recidivism represents one of the most complex challenges of

contemporary criminal policy. While repeated offending may indicate persistent

criminogenic needs, weak social control, or failure of prior interventions,

juvenile offenders remain in a developmental stage in which punitive responses

may intensify stigmatization and criminal identity formation. This article adopts

a descriptive-analytical method to examine Iranian criminal policy toward

repeat offenders under the age of eighteen, with reference to the Islamic Penal

Code 2013, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Law on the Protection of Children

and Adolescents, international juvenile justice standards, and criminological

theories. The article argues that Iranian criminal law, particularly in ta’zir

offences, formally reflects a differentiated and rehabilitative approach to

juveniles. However, in relation to juvenile repeat offenders, Iranian criminal

policy lacks an integrated framework based on risk assessment, individualized

intervention, restorative justice, and structured aftercare. Consequently, prior

criminal history may operate in practice as a factor of informal aggravation,

increasing reliance on correctional institutions and reducing rehabilitative

alternatives. The article suggests a transition from punitive record-based

responses to welfare-oriented risk and needs assessment, including restorative

measures, probation-like supervision, family-based interventions, life-skills

training, personality dossiers, and legal mechanisms limiting the long-term

effects of juvenile criminal records