Yellowknife (Nov 05/04) - The red-and-white sign is known across the country: it means there's help available for children inside.

Rosalie Power, chairperson of Yellowknife Block Parents, said the program isn't just for kids anymore.

"The past few years we've really been promoting that it's for seniors, for everyone," she said.

Yellowknife has had the Block Parent program since 1976. About 180 people participate in the program.

They put signs in their windows to let children know that their house is a safe place to go for help.

"Somebody has to be there for them," said Margaret Fillion, a Block Parent volunteer for 20 years.

She said she's had a few people come knocking over the years, from children who got cold playing in the snow, to a young woman running from a violent boyfriend.

"I got her inside, locked the door and called the police," she said.

She also had a visit from an older woman who had gone out drinking and lost her boot in the snow one night.

"She came because she saw the sign," said Fillion. "She knew it was safe to come here."

Help on the lake

Block Parents only display their signs when they're at home and willing to be disturbed. Yellowknife has Block Parents in houses, apartment buildings, and even a houseboat.

"That's really for other houseboaters or boaters," said Power.

Block Parents don't have to attend meetings and can choose how many and which hours they want to volunteer. They also don't have to open the door to adults if they're uncomfortable with the situation and they don't have to give first aid.

Mostly, Block Parents make phone calls. Power said there are usually two or three incidents each year. She said she's had a neighbour's child come looking for help because she was locked out.

"It's not much, but it's needed," said Fillion.

Block Parents don't need to be parents. Anyone over 18 can join up after a criminal records check.