Police and teachers will refer young offenders at risk of long-term involvement in crime to the Youth on Track program, which utilises behavioural and family services to address the underlying causes of criminal behaviour.

The program has been trialled in other parts of the state, with almost 90 per cent of participants either stabilising or reducing their contact with police and 53 per cent reducing their offending risk factors after three months.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the program would give young offenders the best chance to turn their lives around.

“If we can get to them in their younger years, then we may be able to prevent their criminal activity continuing into adulthood,” Mr Anderson said.

The program starts in December and will offer a variety of interventions, individually tailored for each person.