Bio
Jen Robison
I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Southern California, spending equal time following my big brothers and totally lost in my own imaginary play-world.
After some unfortunate events in my early life, I struggled with depression as a teen. This depression from trauma, and the over-medication that followed, would culminate in my being sent away to Provo Canyon School (PCS) when I was 14 years old. I would then spend a collective three years of my childhood held in the TTI (“Troubled Teen” Industry) in Utah. My experiences there have taken many years to comprehend. I first tried to warn about PCS when I was still just a teenager (2008). It would not be until I became a mother myself, and began to research PCS more deeply in 2018, that I would come to understand the gravity of the harm done to us in that place. In doing this research, I then learned about all of the many places like it.
Discovering PCS’ position in a much wider, broken industry with a decades-long pattern of harm, abuse, and deaths of children drove me into advocacy work. I have since done my best to share information to educate the public, as well as encourage others to speak up. Through the process of creating videos like Youth In Disorder, Short History of the TTI, PSA survivor stories to help launch the #breakingcodesilence movement, and graphics to inform the public, I have developed a detailed knowledge of the youth treatment industry. This also led to my inclusion in the educational docuseries Teen Torture Inc.
Through conversations with survivors, families, former TTI workers, and others, I continue to deepen my understanding of the systemic problems which continue to harm young people today.
I don’t want to be defined by injuries in my childhood. Like so many others, I refuse to be a victim. Nor do I want to link my identity into being only a “survivor”. I’m an artist, mother, wife, runner, animal lover, and youth rights advocate.
I didn’t get to choose my story, but it has led me to the life and inspirations I have now. My hope is to contribute to society in a way which helps protect children from Institutional Child Abuse. If you’d like to communicate with me about this cause, I welcome your contact.