The Aussie music program helping teenage offenders find their voice

At Sydney’s Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre, the power of song might just be the key to keeping inmates out of trouble for good.

Through Music Behind Bars – a program run by the Australian Children’s Music Foundation – young offenders are turning to songwriting to channel their trauma, express remorse, and embrace vulnerability.

Set up by music legend Don Spencer, the foundation is building on programs delivered to schools and youth justice centres for the past 25 years.

The eight-week intensive songwriting workshop is the first of its kind in the country.

And so far, it’s working.

These young men are confronting their failings and feelings to rewrite their lives, one lyric at a time.

Watch the full story in the video player above.