That was until the programs run by Newcastle and Lake Macquarie PCYCs started taking effect.

With the Young Offenders Act 1997 and the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 under review by the state government, PCYC-run programs could provide an alternative to sending law-breaking youths to jail.

Activities being run include austag competitions and group-building exercises, where plain-clothed officers are on the same team as young offenders.

Community-based intervention programs are one of the more cost effective ways of reducing reoffending rates among teenagers, according to a consultation paper on the two acts.

Newcastle PCYC ran a 12-week program that addressed the issue of assault through anger management classes, relationship-based activities and team work where participants and officers completed obstacle courses by working together.

With funding from the NRMA, students also worked towards first aid and barista certificates, which could help with employment.

Newcastle PCYC will have to wait for official crime statistics to be released in six months, to see if its program has been successful in reducing offending among participants.

Newcastle MP Tim Owen is taking a close look at the review of the acts.

Mr Owen said it was important to break the cycle of crime before juveniles became adults and their crimes were treated more seriously.