The Role of Criminal Law in the Protection of Children in the Context of Parental Offenses: A Criminal Justice Perspective

This article examines the role of criminal law in protecting children within families where one or both parents have committed criminal offenses, resulting in severe and, at times, irreparable harm. These offenses may be directed against the other parent—such as neglect of alimony or domestic violence—or may involve general crimes such as theft, murder, or drug-related offenses. Criminal law can play a preventive and protective role by establishing specific support mechanisms. Adopting a descriptive-analytical method and drawing upon legal sources from Iran and comparative legal systems, this study analyzes existing criminal protections and identifies significant legislative and practical gaps. The findings reveal that despite the enactment of protective laws such as the ۲۰۲۰ Law on the Protection of Children and Adolescents, there are still serious shortcomings in enforcement, mandatory reporting, early interventions, and the provision of psychological and social support. The paper concludes by proposing measures such as strengthening mandatory reporting systems, empowering support institutions, reforming custody regulations, and developing inter-agency operational guidelines.

کلیدواژه ها:

Children at Risk ، Offending Parents ، Criminal Law ، Criminal Protection ، Family Criminology