Concerned About the Safety of our Children Starts on our Streets?
Become a Block Parent Today!
(Reprinted from the official Block Parent Program Brochure
for information purposes only)
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For over 25 years, the Block Parent Program has been helping
to make our community safer. Throughout Canada, the red and white
Block Parents signed as a symbol of a safe refugee where assistance
is available.
Police, government departments, educators, sponsors and volunteers
support the Block Parent goal of providing safer communities for
children in other citizens.
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How does the Block Parent Program work?
Block Parents are responsible adults who cares efficiently about
the well-being of children and others to volunteer their homes is
a refugee in an emergency. All Block Parents are screened by the
police and are given instructions on the program by local
volunteers.
The Block Parent window sign is shown only when someone over
the aged 18 is available to answer the door. If a sign is not
display, this does not mean that no one is home, only that the
Block Parent is not available to offer immediate assistance.
In addition to the primary goal of making communities safer for
children, the Block Parent Program detours criminal behaviour. The
network of Block Parent homes is a visible reminder that citizens
are watchful in their neighborhood.
What are the goals of the Block Parent Program?
Block Parent volunteers are working together to:
- Expand the network of Block Parents until there are several
Block Parent homes on every block in every community in Canada.
- Teach children and adults street-smart tips... because
education is the first that to safety.
What is expected of a Block Parent?
Block Parent volunteers are not expected to:
- Provide food, drink, toilet facilities or transportation
- Administer first aid
- Leave their home to breakup of fight
- Open the door to anyone if they feel uneasy about the situation
What does a Block Parent do?
A Block Parent may be called upon to offer their home as a
place of safety when someone is in the dangers are frightening
situations such as:
- Bullied
- Lost, hurt or tell
- Caught in severe weather
- Frightened by a stranger
- A Block Parent assists persons in distress by telephone in
the appropriate emergency service (police, fire, ambulance, etc.)
when necessary.
Some commonly asked questions...
Can I be a Block Parent if I work all day?
Yes! Displaying the window signed only for a few hours a week
will help. Block Parents are always needed -- on weekends,
after school, during the date and in evening.
Do I have to open my door to strangers?
No! If you feel uneasy about the situation, ask for the
information through the locked door. The individual can stay
outside wait for the police or other necessary persons. Your
safety is the most important issue.
Are there enough Block Parents already?
No! There need to be several Block Parent homes on every block
to ensure that at least one block parent is available at any one
time.
I will always help -- sign or no sign.
Of course! But children are taught to be cautious of strangers.
A home displaying a Block Parent sign means a "safe stranger"
can help them.
Do I have to be a parent?
No! If you'll care about safer communities and are worthy
aged 18, you could be a Block Parent.
For more information about the Block Parent Program call:
Block Parent Program of Canada: 1-800-663-1134
The Block Parent Program of Canada is sponsored by the
TD Bank and the Solicitor General of Canada, Ministry Secretariat
The words "Block Parent" and the Block Parent symbol are
registered trade marks of Block Parent Program of Canada Inc. All
rights reserved.
