Escaped, Exploited & Empowered: Sabrina’s Story of County Lines & Breaking Free

In this podcast episode, host Andy Baker and co-host Nadine Sutton are joined by special guest Sabrina Hewitt, a consultant, trainer, and keynote speaker with lived experience. Sabrina shares her powerful journey from a childhood marked by exploitation and criminal activities to becoming an advocate for vulnerable youth. The conversation delves into the critical need for early intervention and the role of empathy and understanding in breaking the cycles of exploitation and criminal behavior, offering listeners valuable insights into the complexities of youth justice.

Sabrina Hewitt is a passionate advocate for youth justice, dedicated to being the supportive adult she needed during her own challenging childhood. As a trauma-informed practitioner specialising in child sexual and criminal exploitation, gangs, and county lines, Sabrina leverages both her personal and professional experiences to effectively support and empower the most disadvantaged and vulnerable youths. Her unique perspective and expertise make her a powerful voice in the field of youth justice.

Timestamps:

00:02:15 - Introduction to Sabrina Hewitt 00:08:45 - Sabrina's Personal Story 00:16:30 - Understanding Trauma-Informed Practices 00:25:10 - Challenges of Youth Involved in Gangs 00:34:55 - Importance of Early Intervention 00:45:20 - Role of Empathy and Understanding 00:54:10 - Advice for Practitioners and Advocates

Key Messages:

1. The Power of Personal Experience:
   • Sabrina Hewitt emphasizes how her own experiences with childhood exploitation and criminal activities deeply inform her work. She believes that her personal history allows her to connect more authentically and effectively with the youths she aims to help.
2. Trauma-Informed Practices Are Essential:
   • The discussion highlights the importance of trauma-informed approaches when working with vulnerable and disadvantaged youths. Sabrina explains how understanding trauma and its impacts is crucial for creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing and growth.
3. Early Intervention is Critical:
   • Sabrina and the hosts underscore the significance of early intervention in preventing youth exploitation and criminal behavior. They discuss how timely support and resources can drastically alter the trajectory of at-risk youths, steering them towards positive outcomes.
4. Empathy and Understanding Build Trust:
   • A recurring theme in the conversation is the necessity of empathy and understanding in building trust with youths involved in gangs and exploitation. Sabrina shares that these qualities are fundamental in developing meaningful relationships and effectively supporting the youths' rehabilitation and empowerment

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