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About the Block Parent® Program
Mission Statement
The mission of the Block Parent® Program is to provide immediate assistance through a safety network and offer supportive community education programs.
Mandate
The mandate of the Block Parent® Program is:
- to provide a network of police-screened, easily recognizable, safe homes for members of the community, especially children, to turn to in times of distress;
- to educate children about the Program, safety on the streets and safety within the home;
- to develop promotions and materials to educate the community about the Program, latch key children and streetproofing; and
- to work together with the police, educators and other community groups toward safer communities.
Goals
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; and
- teach children and adults streetproofing tips. Education is the first step to safety!
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 a dangerous or frightening situation such as:
- bullied
- lost, hurt or ill
- caught in severe weather
- frightened by a stranger.
A Block Parent assists persons in distress by telephoning the appropriate emergency service (police, fire, ambulance, etc.) when necessary.
What is not 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 break up a fight, or
- open their door to anyone if they feel uneasy about the situation.
How does the Block Parent® Program work?
Block Parents are responsible adults who care sufficiently about the well-being of children
and others to volunteer their homes as a temporary refuge 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 age of 18 is available
to answer the door. If the sign is not displayed, 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 deters criminals and trouble makers. The network of Block Parent homes is a
visible reminder that citizens are watchful in their neighbourhood.
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