Donna Fox
403-938-4396
Louise Bush
403-938-2794
Okotoks RCMP
403-938-7046
High River Block Parents
403-601-2082
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Frequently Asked Questions
WHO CAN BECOME A BLOCK PARENT?
A Block Parent is any responsible adult, over the age of 18 years,
who is concerned about the safety and well- being of their fellow
citizens, especially children. Any adult may apply regardless of
their status-single, married, working, retired. They submit to
security-screening by the police through their application and a
gree to display their sign responsibly.
WHAT IS THE BLOCK PARENT SIGN?
- It bears the official symbol used by Block Parent volunteers across Canada.
- It is an easy-to-identify graphic design in red and white, depicting an adult holding a child's hand.
- It is clearly displayed inside a home in a street-facing window.
- It indicates to children and others that help is immediately available should the need arise.
- It indicates to criminals and troublemakers that the community has an organized system for protecting children and others.
- The Block Parent sign remains the property of the Okotoks Block Parent Program and must be returned upon request.
WHEN IS THE BLOCK PARENT SIGNED DISPLAYED?
- Only when the Block Parent is home and available to answer the door.
- Block Parents do not alter their lifestyle. When not available for any reason (working, resting, in the yard, away from home), they simply remove the sign from view.
- Children are taught to expect to receive assistance only if the sign is on display.
WHAT IS NOT EXPECTED OF A BLOCK PARENT?
To provide food or beverage.
To provide toilet facilities, except in an emergency.
To provide transportation.
To administer first aid.
To leave their home to intervene in any situation.
To actively engage any dangerous person.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BLOCK PARENT?
- To offer their home to children as a place of safety from dangerous or frightening situations.
- To offer assistance to persons in distress by telephoning the necessary emergency services (i.e. Police, Fire Dept.. Ambulance, Tow Truck, etc.). Information can be exchanged through a locked door if the volunteer is concerned about opening the door to an unfamiliar person.
- To assist Police by reporting suspicious or possible criminal activity in their community.
- To notify Block Parent upon incident, changes of address, people residing in the home.
WHEN COULD YOU USE A BLOCK PARENT HOME?
When someone is:
alarmed or frightened by a stranger or vicious animal
injured in an accident
ill
lost or disoriented
threatened by bullies
locked out of home or has lost keys
when car has broken down
or any other situation requiring adult assistance.
WHY DO WE NEED BLOCK PARENTS?
In today's mobile society, we often don't know people who live only a few houses away.
Many adults work outside their home and without Block Parent volunteers, a terrified
child could go several homes before finding someone to help. This delay could result
in tragedy. Block Parent provides an element of security in a world that often seems
insecure to a child.
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