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. Police Services, Government Departments, Educators, Sponsors and Volunteers support the Block Parent goal of providing safer communities for children and other citizens. 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 troublemakers. The network of Block Parent homes is a visible reminder that citizens are watchful in their neighbourhood.
	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).
	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 When necessary, a Block Parent assists persons in distress by telephoning the appropriate emergency service (police, fire, ambulance, etc.).
	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
	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 the Police or other necessary person. Your safety is the most important issue. " Aren't there enough Block Parents already? " No! There need 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.
	For more information or to join the Ajax Pickering Block Parent Program, please click here. This is your opportunity to be an active participant in our growing communities. It costs you nothing but the willingness to give of yourself. Please think about it today.
	Member Information Contact Information Program Information Home Page Calendar Block Parent Toll Free HotLine: 1 800 663-1134 Please specify that your message is for the Ajax Pickering Division and include: Your Name, Phone Number and a brief message.
	MEMBER INFORMATION Window Sign Tips Rendering Assistance Reporting an Incident Application Reminders The Words "BLOCK PARENT" and the BLOCK PARENT symbol are registered trademarks of BLOCK PARENT PROGRAM of CANADA INC. All rights reserved.