MY MISSION IS SIMPLE
Stop institutional child abuse
THE SYSTEMIC PROBLEM
Each year, thousands of children are misdiagnosed and sent to residential facilities that mistreat and abuse
*Global program data is not tracked by a single authority. This data is collected by unsilenced.org and its partners.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Meg7.png)
MEG'S STORY
I'm a survivor of the troubled teen industry
Like many children sent to residential programs each year, I was placed in the “care” of a facility I didn’t need. I survived, and now I campaign to ensure future children don’t go through what I had to.
MY WORK
Driving social change
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Unsilenced-small.jpg)
A nonprofit organization that aims to stop institutional child abuse by empowering self-advocates to create lasting social change.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/policy.jpg)
- Policy Change
Using my lived experiences, I advocate for policy change that will increase industry oversight, regulation, reporting, and accountability.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/donate2.jpg)
Through Unsilenced, my team and I work to raise significant donations to fund policy change, survivor initiatives, and much more.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/news.jpg)
A trusted expert for industry insights and commentary to local and national broadcasters like ABC, NBC, and Fox News.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/podcast.jpg)
As an expert on the Troubled Teen Industry, I provide valuable insight as a guest on industry, cult, and business podcasts.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/speaking.jpg)
Taking my expertise on the road, I give keynote speeches and present on panels to educate key stakeholders in communities.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/newspaper.jpg)
I provide industry insights and commentary to local and national publications like USA Today, NBC News, and many more.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/policy-change.jpg)
I provide expert testimony to court cases and public Senate hearings to champion justice for survivors and drive policy change.
![](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/partnerships.jpg)
Through Unsilenced, I work with organizations to drive awareness and change within the Troubled Teen Industry.
![Meg Appelgate book Becoming Unsilenced](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Meg-Book-New-Cover-1024x1024.png)
OUT NOW
Becoming Unsilenced: Surviving & Fighting The Troubled Teen Industry
Read Meg Appelgate’s own experience of two abusive residential facilities and her resilience that led to founding Unsilenced, a nonprofit combating institutional child abuse and empowering survivors.
THE IMPACT
Unsilenced is exposing the injustice, educating parents and decision makers, supporting survivors, and protecting future children from pain
![Alan Mortensen](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/images/placeholder.png)
![Dick Gochnauer](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/images/placeholder.png)
![Matthew DiMaio](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/images/placeholder.png)
![Emmanuel Monneron](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/images/placeholder.png)
![Annette Smith](https://megappelgate.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/images/placeholder.png)