It’s been a few years since the familiar white and red signs have decorated houses in Hinton, but Const. Paul Banks from the Hinton RCMP detachment is ready to have them go back up. 

Const. Banks has been working for the past year and a half to have the Block Parent Program resurface in Hinton, and his efforts have now led the program to begin screening the many volunteers from the community that have stepped forward.

Hinton used to be an active Block Parent community, but the program fizzled a number of years ago, mainly due to miscommunication.

“There was a few different reasons it just kind of disappeared,” Const. Banks said. 

Many volunteers were unsure of the commitment they were signing up for. It was believed that being a Block Parent was a 24-hour-a-day job, but Const. Banks said it is all up to the volunteer how much time they want to put in. 

When a Block Parent is busy, or unable to assist members of the public in distress, Const. Banks said it is as simple as taking down the sign to inform people they are off duty. 

“It’s not a 24-hour thing,” he said. 

The program is meant to help citizens in distress, whether they be lost children, the elderly or anyone that needs assistance. 

“We think it’s an important program,” Const. Banks said.

Children who get locked out of the house and need a place to hang out while they wait, people being bullied or frightened by a menacing dog or other animal can all knock on a Block Parent house and know they are safe. 

“It’s there for anybody who feels they’re in distress,” Const. Banks said. “If they do see a Block Parent sign, they know that that’s a safe place to go.”

Volunteers must go through a rigourous screening process, done by the RCMP, as well as a Child and Family Services check. Both are free because of the volunteer nature of the organization. The checks ensure that the houses being used are safe and secure. Every volunteer must be re-checked after two years. 

“It’s a full-blown police check,” Const. Banks said. 

While it’s unknown just how widely the program will be used in Hinton, Const. Banks said cities such as Calgary have extremely active programs. 

The volunteers do not require any special training, and common sense can be used in most situations. Const. Banks said the RCMP can help out if a Block Parent feels they are unable to properly deal with a situation. 

“We’re certainly open for questions,” he said. “We don’t necessarily have to be involved.”

Const. Banks said the Block Parent program was one of his priorities when he came to Hinton, and he has been working on it for the past year and a half.

“I just want the citizens to rest assured that it hasn’t fallen by the wayside, and we are getting closer to getting those signs in the windows,” Const. Banks said. 

The program will involve a commitment from detachment staff to complete the checks. Const. Banks expects the screening process to begin in the next few weeks. 

There are many volunteers already awaiting their police screenings, but Const. Banks said it is not too late to get involved. Potential volunteers can speak with Const. Banks at the Hinton RCMP detachment by calling 780-865-2455.