Why be a Block Parent?
WHO is the Block Parent Program for?
Elementary school-aged children and their parents, active seniors, and any other community member who wants to feel safe and secure while connecting with their neighbours and being involved in their community.
What is the VALUE of a Block Parent home?
The value of the program brings to the neighbourhood occurs when children and other community members feel safe just by seeing Block Parent signs in windows. By simply displaying the window sign, the Block Parent home becomes a symbol of a connected and engaged community. A Block Parent home, specifically the front porch or doorstep, is a “temporary safe refuge” that children can access when they’re feeling hurt, lost or scared and need assistance.
What does the window sign MEAN?
The Block Parent Window Sign sends a positive message to the neighbourhood. Even if a child doesn’t need assistance from a Block Parent, the sign still acts as a powerful tool indicating a concerned Block Parent is there to help—giving children a sense of security and independence. The sign is a symbol of a warm welcome to a new neighbour, and a reminder of a nostalgic past—a time when neighbours knew each other and children played outside—a time when people felt more connected.
How can one Block Parent build COMMUNITY?
By displaying a Block Parent sign in your window, you help build engaged and connected neighbourhoods where children, and other members of your community, feel safe when they’re walking to school, playing outside with friends, and being active in their neighbourhood. Volunteering to be a Block Parent really is Building Safer Communities, One Block at a Time.
Why is it important to know your NEIGHBOURS?
Knowing your neighbours makes you feel connected; it makes you feel included and involved. Being connected creates a safety net for all members of your community because when you know each other and you trust each other, you feel comfortable going to your neighbour for help, assistance, advice, or even just a cup of sugar.
What are the BENEFITS of being a Block Parent?
Block Parents benefit when by displaying their window sign, they are building a trusting connection between themselves and their neighbours.
What are the BENEFITS of being a CHILD and seeing the Block Parent Window Sign?
“I feel safe knowing that an adult will help me if there’s an emergency. Even if I don’t need them, I know they are there and it makes me feel safe when I walk by their house.” Elementary-aged child
Become a Block Parent by emailing info@blockparents.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Block Parent?
A Block Parent is an adult volunteer who has been Police and Block Parent screened, has been trained, and who has received a registered Block Parent Sign. The Block Parent sign is placed in a front facing window of the Block Parent home. The sign indicates that an adult is available to answer the door to a child, or any community member, who needs assistance. The Block Parent can offer assistance by calling a parent, family member or emergency service. The Block Parent sign shows the community that a caring adult is available and that children are encouraged to visit the Block Parent home if they need assistance.
Who May Become A Block Parent?
Any responsible citizen 18 years of age and older who has been screened by the Waterloo Regional Block Parent® Program including Volunteer Canada’s Safe Steps Screening Program and who has obtained a Police Vulnerable Sector Check may become a Block Parent.
Is There Much Work Involved?
No. It will not alter your lifestyle or make demands on your time. When you are at home and able to answer the door to someone requiring assistance, simply display the sign in a window visible from the street. If a child is bothered by a stranger or a bully, is sick or hurt or lost, they know the sign means a SAFE ADULT is there to offer help.
How Often Are Block Parent Homes Used?
Some homes may never be used while others will be used several times. Even if a child doesn’t require assistance from a Block Parent, the sign still acts as a powerful tool indicating a concerned Block Parent is there to help; giving the child a sense of security and independence.
I’m Never Home, How Can I Help?
This is the ideal volunteer position for a busy person like yourself. You can provide a valuable service to your community without having to make a special effort to do so. Simply put your sign in the window when you are available.
Do I Have To Let Strangers Into My Home?
No. You you shouldn’t let anyone into your home. You can assist through a screen door or an open window where information can be exchanged and the appropriate telephone call made. You should encourage the child to seek refuge on your front porch or doorstep and wait with them until help arrives.
When I Take My Sign Down Does That Indicate That We Are Not Home?
A sign removed from view does not necessarily mean that no one is home. There are many times when the volunteer is home, but does not want to be on duty, so the sign does not have to be on display.
What Is The Senior Block Parent® Program?
While the Block Parent Program was primarily designed for children, our network of safe homes can also be used by seniors. If a senior feels ill, vulnerable, distressed or lost while in their community, they can simply look for a house displaying the Block Parent sign.
For more information email info@blockparents.ca