Why a Rural Block Parent^® Program?

There is an increasing awareness that the Block Parent^® Program is as much a necessity in rural areas as in our large urban centres. Many families are choosing to live in "bedroom" rural communities and the rural areas surrounding large cities. These rural residents are reassured by the presence and positive aspects of a Block Parent^® Program. It has been proven that the presence of Block Parent signs brings about a decrease in crime rates in these rural areas.

The Rural Block Parent Program provides an organized method of protecting children and adults and involves all members of the community including police, government, businesses and Boards of Education.

Aim of the Rural Block Parent^® Program

The aim is to provide safety to rural children from possible molesters, harassment from bullies, car drivers, motor bike operators, etc. It is to provide assistance for children who live in the country and have to travel short distances from their bus stop to their home and for pedestrians and cyclists using the country roads. It is also used for children and citizens in the community during severe weather conditions, accidents, etc. and for weekend visitors to the area (i.e., skiers, hikers, snowmobilers, etc.).

The Rural Block Parent^®

Rural Block Parents have no legal status except as citizens. They are volunteers, aged 18 years and over who have been screened following the Block Parent Program of Canada Inc.'s Safe Steps Screening Process (includes a Police Records Check) , and who are willing to provide help during whatever time they have available by displaying their Block Parent window sign.

Mail Box Decal and the Window Sign

All rural Block Parents must use a Block Parent window sign which indicates whether the Block Parent is available to offer assistance. The sign is a warning to criminals that neighbours are on the alert for one another. Absence of the window sign does not mean that the home is unattended; only that the Block Parent is unavailable to provide assistance.

A small reflective mailbox decal depicting the Block Parent logo is placed on each side of the mailbox for homes which are well set back from the road or where the house is not clearly visible from the road. The decal indicates that this is a Block Parent home. However, the children are taught that it does not mean the Block Parent is available unless the window sign is displayed. The decal is a permanent fixture and will be destroyed when removed from the mailbox.

• Provides refuge from dangerous or frightening situations.


• Offers assistance to people in distress by phoning their home, and/or the police or other emergency people.


• Assists police by reporting suspicious activity in the community.


• Removes the Block Parent window sign when unavailable.

Rural Block Parents are not expected to :

• to provide food or beverage, toilet facilities or transportation
  
• to administer first aid treatment

• alarmed by a stranger, bully or animal
  
• when involved in an accident


• when lost, ill or caught in severe weather conditions