EMERGENCY: 911 | NON-EMERGENCY: 519-537-2323 | ADMINISTRATION: 519-421-2800 | CRIME STOPPERS: 519-421-8477
Block Parents

Rationale

The Mission of the Block Parent Program is to provide Safe Homes for members of the Community, especially children in times of distress.

There are over 1000 Block Parent Communities throughout Canada. The Red and White Block Parent sign in the window of homes means security and immediate help is available. Block parents play a valuable and active role in producing and distributing child safety material and visiting schools and other venues to teach children about safety.

Guidelines

  1. Provide a network of police-screened, easy recognizable safe homes for members of the community, especially children, to turn to in times of distress.
  2. To educate children about the Block Parent Program, safety on the streets and safety in the home.
  3. Develop promotions and materials to educate the community about the program, Latch key children and street proofing.
  4. To work together with police, school boards, and other community groups towards a safe community.

Anyone over the age of 18 years who has been screened by the police may be a Block Parent. The person can be single, married, divorced or a senior citizen. They may be employed or stay at home. They do not have to be a parent.

Anyone 12 years of age or older who lives in an existing Block Parent home must be screened by the Police. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, youth records are sealed at the age of 18 yrs. Therefore, screening is done at the age of 12 yrs. to provide any criminal history. Should criminal history be found, the existing Block Parent home loses their sign.

The Block Parent signs are ONLY to be displayed when the Block Parent is available. Available means that the Block Parent is home and able to answer the door to a person requiring assistance.

Department Responsibility

  1. Provide a member to be part of the Woodstock Block Parent Committee when possible.
  2. Volunteer screening of the Block Parent and any person residing in residence over 12 yrs.
  3. Monitor the program and re-screen Block Parents on a continuing basis and take appropriate action.
  4. Provide a police presence at Block Parent functions and presentations.
  5. Provide the Community Relations office for a meeting place for the committee.
  6. Provide a liaison officer with the committee to address any concerns or questions.

Woodstock Block Parents Contacts:
Chairperson – Elaine Lockhart: 519-421-4036 -after 6pm contact #
Vice Chairperson – Helen McCready: 519-537-5625 -daytime contact #
 
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