More than 10 per cent of YOTs are not using these alternative methods to dispose of first-time or low-level offences, leading to charities raising concerns about a "postcode lottery".
The survey, conducted by the think-tank Centre for Justice Innovation (CJI), contacted 152 YOTs across England and Wales, and 133 said they have a "point-of-arrest diversion scheme" in place. Some 19 confirmed they do not.
The schemes include non-statutory alternatives to prosecution or out-of-court disposals, such as quick referrals to "light-touch", voluntary programmes.
The think-tank did not identify which areas were without such an approach.
Research has shown that young people who enter the youth justice system are more likely to reoffend, as well as it interrupting their education and leaving them with a criminal record.
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