The Howard League for Penal Reform found that there were 87,525 arrests of children aged 17 and under last year, down from almost 250,000 in 2010.
While Naomi Allen, ministries director at Christian youth charity XLP, welcomed the figures, she highlighted to Premier the significant role churches can play to further reduce child arrests.
Speaking during News Hour she said: "We're very much always encouraging churches to love their young people and to love young people in their communities. I think so often young people are growing up not necessarily with full families, not necessarily with people who are going to be consistently giving them the message that they are valuable, that they are loved, that they are significant and that they have a part to play in this world.
"I think churches have an incredible privilege and responsibility to be bringing hope to our young people and to the next generation."
The Howard League programme, which began in 2010, involves working with police forces to keep as many youngsters as possible out of the criminal justice system.
Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "For the sixth year running, we have seen a significant reduction in child arrests across the country. This is a tremendous achievement, and we will continue to support police forces to develop their good practice and reduce the number to an absolute minimum.
"Police should be applauded for their positive approach, and the Howard League is proud to have played its part in a transformation that will make our communities safer.
"By working together, we are ensuring that tens of thousands of children will have a brighter future and not be dragged into a downward spiral of crime and custody."
Allen told Premier children need to be better educated about the consequences of crime and it wasn't just the responsibility of the police to prevent child crime.
She went on to say: "It is a whole community's responsibility to be really shaping young people. It's not just police, it's not just parents.
"The Church has a big role to play but as a community we need to be looking out for how we can consistently be encouraging young people to engage in positive behaviour."
Listen to Naomi Allen, ministries director at Christian youth charity XLP, speaking with Premier's Tola Mbakwe:
