Unsilenced: Exposing the Troubled Teen Industry | A conversation with survivor & advocate Meg Appelgate

In This Episode 

In this episode Janeen speaks with Meg Applegate, who shares her powerful story of being a survivor of the troubled teen industry. Meg opens up about her experiences of being undiagnosed autistic throughout her life and the trauma she faced during her time in congregate care facilities from the ages of 15 to 18 and a half.

Meg Applegate’s story sheds light on the harsh realities of the troubled teen industry, where punitive techniques and behavior modification are used under the guise of reforming youth. She discusses the challenges she faced in fitting in, making friends, and dealing with attachment issues as an adopted individual.

The conversation delves into the impact of undiagnosed autism on Meg’s experiences and how it contributed to the difficulties she faced in these facilities. She shares insights into the indoctrination and brainwashing tactics used in these programs, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in such institutions.

Meg Applegate also discusses her nonprofit organization, Unsilenced, which aims to stop institutional child abuse by empowering self-advocates and promoting lasting social change. The organization provides support, resources, and advocacy for survivors of the troubled teen industry, emphasizing the need for prevention, awareness, and support for those affected.

Meg offers valuable advice for parents who may be struggling with their children’s behavior, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, seeking help from therapists, and utilizing community resources. She also warns against the dangers of residential treatment programs and the need for careful consideration before sending a child to such facilities.

Listeners are encouraged to visit Unsilenced.org for more information, resources, and red flags to watch out for when considering residential treatment programs. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing trauma, advocating for survivors, and working towards a more supportive and inclusive future for all individuals.

Links:

• Meg’s Book: Becoming UNSILENCED: Surviving and Fighting the Troubled Teen Industry
• Unsilenced website: (where you can check specific centers and see their track records.)
• This is Paris Documentary: About Paris Hilton’s TTI experience (Free on YouTube)
• Follow Meg on Instagram/TikTok: @megappelgate
• www.megappelgate.com

Meet Meg Appelgate

Meg is a youth rights advocate, entrepreneur, and the Co-founder and CEO of Unsilenced, a nonprofit organization aiming to stop institutional child abuse within the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI). She is a survivor of 2 TTI programs, where she spent a combined total of 3 1/2 years of her life.

It wasn’t until she was well into her career that she woke up to the abuse and brainwashing that plagued her childhood and the effect it had on her entire adulthood. It was then that Unsilenced was born out of her determination to turn her pain into purpose. She is dedicated to empowering other survivors of institutional abuse and holding the industry accountable for causing them harm.

Listen To This Episode

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