What does recidivism mean in the context of juvenile law?

Recidivism in the context of juvenile law refers specifically to the tendency of a juvenile to reoffend after they have undergone rehabilitation. This concept is crucial in understanding how effective rehabilitation programs are in preventing future criminal behavior. When assessing the success of juvenile justice interventions, recidivism rates provide insight into whether these programs are capable of effectively altering behavior and breaking the cycle of crime. By focusing on a juvenile's likelihood to reoffend, stakeholders can gauge the long-term impact of various educational, therapeutic, and community-based strategies implemented in the justice system.