Jake Kennedy
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 16/02) - Last week's sexual assault of a young girl along the Frame Lake trail is a reminder to people about the need for block parents, said Rosalie Power, chairperson of the Yellowknife Block Parents Association.

Power said block parents, who are screened by the RCMP for criminal histories before being accepted to the program, provide an essential service to children and adults in need.

"You're helping children and adults in a time of need," she said.

Power said that although many people may think that block parents aren't needed in a small town like Yellowknife, the sexual assault last week is an example of why they're essential.

And it doesn't take much time.

"You only need to show your sign when you are available," Power said.

"Even if it's only two or three hours a week."

Power has been with the Yellowknife program almost since its inception 27 years ago.

She said there are currently 150 block parents in Yellowknife, and she hopes that number will grow.

"Block parents are important because even in a small town like Yellowknife, there's always occasions when children are scared," she said.

Anything, from bullies, to strangers, to dogs, can scare a child, Power said.

Power said that anyone who may be interested in getting involved in the block parent association should note that Oct. 20 to 26 is block parent week.