Block Parents - Keremeos RCMP Detachment

For over 30 years, the Block Parent Program has been helping to make our communities safer. Throughout Canada, the red and white Block Parent sign is a symbol of a safe refuge where assistance is available.

Block Parents make our streets and the community safe. Block Parents are security screened adults who volunteer their homes as a safe refuge.

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 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.

The Block Parent Program requires total community involvement and is endorsed and supported by:

Local school boards
Local police departments and the RCMP
Service clubs
sponsors and volunteers

Why Is the Block Parent Program Needed?

To provide the community with an organized method of protecting its children
To aid in the prompt reporting of emergency problems to the agency concerned, ie; Police, Fire or Ambulance, etc.

Who is a Block Parent?

Any responsible adult who cares enough about the well-being of children to volunteer his or her home as a safe refuge for a child in trouble

What is the Block Parent Sign?

The official symbol of the Block Parent Home and the Program itself
An easy-to-identify graphic design to be attached to the inside of a window clearly visible from the street
An indication to children that this home is open to them for immediate help in an emergency
An indication to criminals or trouble-makers that in this community, youngsters are being protected and citizens are alert

When is the Block Parent Sign Displayed?

Only when the Block Parent Home is available for use. There is NO change in lifestyle. If the Block Parent is unavailable for any reason, he or she removes the sign.

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. Education is the first step to safety.

TIP
Look for the Block Parent sign for help away from home.

What is Not Expected of a Block Parent?

Block Parents are not expected to:

provide food or drink
toilet facilities
transportation
administer first aid
leave their home to break up a fight
open their door to anyone if they feel uneasy about the situation
actively engage any dangerous person
assist the Police by reporting suspicious or criminal activity in the community

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:

being 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.

When SHOULD Children use the Block Parent Home?

When alarmed by strangers or vicious animals
When he/she or a playmate is involved in an accident
When ill, lost or being bullied

Commonly Asked Questions

"Can I be a Block Parent if I work all day?"

Yes! Displaying the window sign for only a few hours a week will help. Block Parents are always needed on weekends, after school, during the day and in the 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 while you call Police or other necessary persons. Your safety is the most important issue.

"Aren't there enough Block Parents already?"

No! There needs 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 care about safer communities and are over the age of 18, you could be a Block Parent.

How to become a Block Parent?

Contact your local community Policing office

Keremeos, Cawston, Olalla residents may call:

Keremeos R.C.M.P. Detachment: 250 499-5511

Is It Really Necessary?

The worst situation most Block Parents will ever encounter or contend with is a frightened child who has lost his or her way home. If it was your child, wouldn't you say that was reason enough?

by Sheba