The Alberta Block Parent® Association (ABPA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing community safety through the Block Parent® Program in Alberta. Established as an affiliation of over 40 local Block Parent® programs across Alberta, the ABPA serves as the provincial liaison and a voting member of the Block Parent® Program of Canada Inc. (BPPCI), Canada's largest volunteer-driven child safety organization. The association is incorporated in the Province of Alberta and holds registered charity status under the business registration number 140783929RR0001.

Mission and Mandate

The core mission of the Alberta Block Parent® Association is to provide immediate assistance within communities via a network of safety refuges, alongside supporting community education programs focused on personal safety. Its mandate includes:

• Ensuring that every community in Alberta has at least one Block Parent® window sign displayed in either a business or residential setting.
• Creating and maintaining a network of security-screened, easily recognizable, and safe homes or businesses where community members, particularly children, can seek refuge in times of distress.
• Educating children and the broader community about the Block Parent® Program, street and home safety.
• Developing promotional materials and initiatives to raise awareness about personal safety and the Block Parent® Program.
• Collaborating with local police, school boards, and community groups to foster safer communities across Alberta.

History and Operations

The Block Parent® Program was initiated in 1968 by dedicated volunteers who sought to establish a community-based safety network. Volunteers known as Block Parents offer their homes as temporary safe havens, identified by the distinctive red and white Block Parent® window sign. Each Block Parent is screened by police and must have a responsible adult present to offer assistance. The visibility of these signs acts as a deterrent for criminal activity and reassures children, seniors, and community members that help is nearby if needed.

The ABPA assists in starting new local programs, supports existing ones with resources and guidance, and ensures the proper closure of any programs that cease operations. Through these efforts, the association strengthens community ties and reinforces the safety network that benefits vulnerable populations.

Community Impact and Support

As a registered charity, the Alberta Block Parent® Association relies on donations to sustain and expand its programs across Alberta. Contributions to the ABPA are tax-deductible and directly support the maintenance and growth of the Block Parent® safety network. The association also engages in public education initiatives to promote safety awareness and encourage broader community participation.

Overall, the Alberta Block Parent® Association plays a vital role in fostering safer neighborhoods by creating trusted spaces for individuals in distress and promoting community vigilance in Alberta[1][2][3][4][5].