The mission of the Block Parent® Program is to offer supportive community education programs and to provide immediate assistance through a safety network. The Block Parent Program of Canada Inc. is the largest volunteer-based crime prevention program in the country, comprised of more than 800 local communities and approximately 125,000 volunteers.  The distinctive red and white sign or decal, recognized coast-to-coast, indicates a safe location to anyone in distress, particularly a child. The sign and decal bear the official symbol used by Block Parent volunteers across Canada.  It is clearly displayed inside a home in a street-facing window, or on the door or window of small businesses only when an adult is available to assist, should the need arise.

No parent can provide 24-hour protection for their child. When accidents, child molesters, stray dogs or illness threaten a child, they are more vulnerable due to their limited decision-making experience. Block Parent volunteers are there to help!

Prior to receiving a sign or decal, all residents of a home over the age of 12 years, or employees in a business are security screened by police and rescreened every two to three years thereafter. Upon receipt of their sign, volunteers are instructed to display it only when they are available to help, should the need arise.  They decide when they want to be on duty. At all other times, the sign is removed from view.  Children are taught that help is only available when the sign is on display. In businesses, the decal is displayed as near as possible to the open / closed sign. Any adult over the age of 18 years who can pass the security
clearance conducted by the police may become a Block Parent. It is not necessary to be married or to be a  parent, and seniors make excellent volunteers.

Once the safety network is established, Block Parent administrative volunteers commit their time to the education component of the Program. Citizens, especially elementary school children, learn about the Block Parent Program and personal safety through presentations conducted by trained Block Parent volunteers.  The programs are offered free of charge and many are requested annually by teachers and principals.

Due to a constant decrease in the number of single family homes with an adult in residence during the day, several new initiatives are underway. Across Canada local Block Parent Programs are partnering with small businesses, fire stations, community police stations and public transit buses to increase the size of their safety network.