Western Australia's "tough on crime" mentality isn't working, with support appearing to build for more alternative responses to address youth offending.

The Perth Children's Court deals with WA's young offenders. Credit:file image

New research from Edith Cowan University has concluded the general public is less punitive than what has been previously documented, particularly when it comes to youth offenders.

ECU researchers surveyed more than 400 people and carried out 60 interviews for the study.

Those who were surveyed and interviewed were provided with information about the existence and aims of WA’s Children’s Court Drug Court — a court focused solely on drug rehabilitation in youth offenders.