signifies safety to chiidren Program celebrating 25th anniversary Oct. 25-31 THE NATIONAL Block Parent program of Canada was originated by the National Council of Jewish Women in October 1968 as a direct result of a series of kidnappings and murders that occurred in the London, Ontario area. . There are currently over one million Block Parents in 1,100 communities across Canada. B.C. alone has over 80,000 Block Parents in 128 communities. National Block Parent Week is celebrated every year the week preceding Halloween. This year’s 25th anniversary week is from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31. The; North Vancouver Block Parent program originated in 1976, and taday is endorsed by the North Vancouver District. 44 “School .Board. and the North _ Vancouver RCMP. . _. The program consists of several homes in each block displaying the familiar red and white Block - Parent sign which’ shows a child reaching up to hold an adult's hand. The’ Block Parent program is designed primarily as a means of reducing the incidence :of child molestations and to aid the. police. in the prevention of crime. Block Parents .are instructed ‘that the sign must never be placed ina. storm or garage’ window where it can be accessible to strangers. | A Block Parent sign signifies to By A.P. McCredie News Reporter small children a safe haven where they can run to in emergencies, such as when they are being bothered by strangers, being bullied by older children, or when they are injured, sick or have been alarmed by vicious animals. At a Block Parent's home, children know they will receive protection and _ responsible assistance. Depending on the cir- cumstances, either the parents or the RCMP will be notified. Children are also taught to recognize the sign and not the house. It is also stressed that children must not abuse the program by asking at homes displaying the Block Parent’s sign for milk and cookies, to use the washroom or to ask for transportation. They are told to respect the purpose of the sign. Before the Block Parent sign is issued, .all’ volunteers and family members who’ are aged 19 years and older are security screened by ” TO CELEBRA D REL the police to be certain that potentia! applicants have no serious record of offences involv- ing sex, drugs or child molesta- tions. The process assures the children that all Block Parent homes are truly safe havens and that they are not running iato a situation that may be just as dangerous as the one they are running from. Any responsible single person or parent, 19 years and older, who cares for the welfare of children in their community can apply to become a Block Parent. Upon police approval, the new Block Parent is issued the Block Parent sign which is distributed to them by the elementary school coordinator in their neighborhood. The Block Parent then displays the sign only when he or she is available to provide assistance, if the need arises. The Block Parent sign is never left up when no one is home because children have been told that the sign means they can get help at that house immediately. North Vancouver currently has over 1,600 Block Parents. “We are a community-based volunteer program and not a police program,’’ said Block Parent Sue Walmsley. See Co-ordinator page 83 PRINTS CHALLIS & POLYESTER ® Allin store stock dated and ff received prior to April 1, 19934 wee | = + 7 : Sota 3 FABRIC N Alarge selection of fabrics including flannelette, broad- cloth printes, fleeces, sportswear, bottomweights and more. Selection will vary from store to store. a4 BUY im GET 2m FREE (of equal or lesser value) Wednesday, October 27, 1993 - North Shora News - 79 s a e, Py ETL NEWS photo Terry Peters NATIONAL BLOCK Parent Week is Oct. 25 to Oct. 31 this year, marking the 15th anniversary of the community-based organiza-, tion in British Columbia. tf you are interested In becoming a Block Parent, contact your local elementary school or call the R.C.M.P. community policing office at 985-1311. VOGUE, BUTTERICK, McCALLS & BURDA BUY 1m GET 2 FREE (of equal or lesser value