|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Block Parent Program
There is a crime prevention program that exists in Canada called the Block Parent Program. With over 500,000 participants, the Block Parent Program is the largest non-profit, volunteer operated, child safety program of its kind. This program requires total community involvement which includes police services, municipal government, Boards of Education and concerned citizens of the community. It is endorsed by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. The Block Parent Program began in London, Ontario in 1968 in response to crimes against children in the area. Since then the program has expanded across Canada with over 1,000 Block Parent communities across Canada. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Block Parent Program is designed to assist children and citizens in times of emergencies. Upon police approval, the Block Parent volunteer displays a distinctive red and white sign in their front window that signifies they are safe strangers and are available to give immediate assistance. Children are taught through school presentations that they will receive immediate help for any emergency. The Block Parent receives instructions to call either the child's parents, or the police, depending upon the situation. In addition to the primary goal of making communities safer for children, the Block Parent Program deters criminals and troublemakers. The network of Block Parent homes is a visible reminder that citizens are watchful in their neighbourhood.
WHAT IS THE BLOCK PARENT PROGRAM?
The Block Parent Program is designed to assist children if:
|
Everyone in the household is security screened and if accepted by Police, will be issued a sign to put in their window. This sign lets the children know that they will receive immediate assistance in time of emergency.
This sign also lets strangers, who come into your neighbourhood, know that "We are protecting our children".
The responsibilities of a Block Parent are to put the sign in the window only when you are available to help. You would not be available if you were taking a bath, sleeping, unable to hear the doorbell while vacuuming, gardening or doing laundry or simply not at home. The most crucial times are when the children are on their way to and from school, however, Block Parents are needed during the evenings and weekends too.
Block Parents are given instructions to contact the proper authorities or the parents as the situation requires.
Block Parents do not:
ARE YOU Please contact the Ontario Block Parent Program, toll free, at: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total number of communities reported in 141 of 277
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
they are lost
