This year marks an incredible milestone for the Granite State Children’s Alliance (GSCA) and its groundbreaking KNOW & TELL® education program—10 years of raising awareness and empowering adults across New Hampshire to act when they see the signs of child abuse. From its humble beginnings to becoming a critical training program for thousands, KNOW & TELL® has made a lasting impact.

In 2014, the GSCA, the chapter organization for the 11 New Hampshire (NH) Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), was a small team with a big vision. The staff consisted of just one full-time Executive Director and a part-time Outreach and Education Coordinator. But that modest size did not limit their ambition, hopes, and innovative approach to the vital work of raising awareness of the CACs and how they help NH’s most vulnerable child victims of abuse.

The catalyst for change came when two young children tragically died.  Their deaths prompted child advocates and concerned citizens to demand a more robust, effective, and collective response to concerns of child abuse.

The GSCA found itself reflecting on its role in supporting CACs and responding to reports of suspected abuse. The organization recognized an urgent need for greater public awareness about child abuse, the role of CACs, and how adults can recognize and report signs of abuse.

In 2015, a pivotal moment arrived at a kitchen table in Bedford, NH, where two friends—a passionate child advocate and a seasoned marketing expert—had a conversation that would change everything. The idea was simple but powerful: raise awareness about child abuse and ensure that adults know how to recognize the signs and report them to authorities. Thus, KNOW & TELL® was born.

Initially, KNOW & TELL® served as a broad public awareness campaign. Its slogan was designed to spark conversations and start a movement of adults committed to protecting children. However, as the program evolved, it grew into something more substantial—a comprehensive training and professional development program designed for all adults in New Hampshire.  What makes it unique?  It provides tools to break down barriers often interfering with an adult’s willingness to intervene on a child’s behalf.

KNOW & TELL®’s evolution has been built on three pillars: EDUCATE, INFORM, and PROTECT. These principles have guided the program as it has expanded beyond simple awareness into in-depth educational opportunities for parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and community members. The goal has always been to ensure that every adult in NH understands the signs of child abuse and knows how to act to report their concerns or suspicions to proper authorities, thereby protecting children.  The program has expanded to include a Healthcare Provider course and a peer-to-peer ambassador program reaching youth advocates.

As KNOW & TELL® celebrates its 10th anniversary, its message remains as urgent as ever: protecting children is a collective responsibility. Whether it's a parent, a neighbor, a teacher, or a healthcare provider, every adult has a role to play in preventing abuse and ensuring that children grow up safe and supported.

As the program continues to grow and expand, so does the opportunity for individuals and communities to make a difference. By KNOWing the signs of abuse and TELLing the appropriate authorities when help is needed, we can ensure that New Hampshire’s children have the support they need to step into the future they deserve.

Looking forward, the GSCA is committed to continuing the mission of KNOW & TELL® and expanding its impact across the state and beyond. Several other state chapters, including New Jersey, have adopted KNOW & TELL® education.  With a decade of progress behind us, the work is far from over. Together, we can ensure that no child faces abuse in silence, and that every adult is equipped with the knowledge and responsibility to make a difference.  Where every child can step into the future they deserve. Kids are counting on all of us!

To learn more or bring a training to your community, go to KNOWandTELL.org