How the Block Parent® Program Works

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. 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
• open their door to anyone if they feel uneasy about the situation

How do I become a Block Parent®?

The first step to becoming a Block Parent® is to complete an application form which can be obtained from your local Block Parent® Program.

The second step includes obtaining criminal record checks for all persons in your household over the age of 12. All Block Parents are responsible for obtaining a new criminal record check every two years for all members in the household over 12.

Upon receipt of the criminal record checks for all persons over 12 in your household, the local Block Parent® Program volunteer will meet with you to go over the requirements and deliver your Block Parent® window sign.