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A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety

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1. What are signs that your child might be at risk online?

1. Your child spends large amounts of time online, especially at night.
   • Most children that fall victim to computer-sex offenders spend large amounts of time online, particularly in chat rooms. They may go online after dinner and on the weekends. They may be latchkey kids whose parents have told them to stay at home after school. They go online to chat with friends, make new friends, pass time, and sometimes look for sexually explicit information. While much of the knowledge and experience gained may be valuable, parents should consider monitoring the amount of time spent online. Children online are at the greatest risk during the evening hours. While offenders are online around the clock, most work during the day and spend their evenings online trying to locate and lure children or seeking pornography.
2. You find pornography on your child's computer.
   • Pornography is often used in the sexual victimization of children. Sex offenders often sup-ply their potential victims with pornography as a means of opening sexual discussions and for seduction. Child pornography may be used to show the child victim that sex between children and adults is "normal." Parents should be conscious of the fact that a child may hide the pornographic files on diskettes from them. This may be especially true if the computer is used by other family members.
3. Your child receives phone calls from men or women you don't know or is making calls, some-times long distance, to numbers you don't recognize.
   • While talking to a child victim online is a thrill for a computer-sex offender, it can be very cumbersome. Most want to talk to the children on the telephone. They often engage in "phone sex" with the children and often seek to set up an actual meeting for real sex. While a child may be hesitant to give out his/her home phone number, the computer-sex offenders will give out theirs. With Caller ID, they can readily find out the child's phone number. Some computer-sex offenders have even obtained toll-free 800/866/888 numbers, so that their potential victims can call them without their parents finding out. Others will tell the child to call collect. Both of these methods result in the computer-sex offender being able to find out the child's phone number.
4. Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don't know.
   • As part of the seduction process, it is common for offenders to send letters, photographs, and all manner of gifts to their potential victims. Computer-sex offenders have even sent plane tickets in order for the child to travel across the country to meet them.
5. Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room.
   • A child looking at pornographic images or having sexually explicit conversations does not want you to see it on the screen.
6. Your child becomes withdrawn from the family.
   • Computer-sex offenders will work very hard at driving a wedge between a child and their family or at exploiting their relationship. They will accentuate any minor problems at home that the child might have. Children may also become withdrawn after sexual victimization.
7. Your child is using an online account belonging to someone else.
   • Even if you don't subscribe to an online service or Internet service, your child may meet an offender while online at a friend's house or the library. Most computers come preloaded with online and/or Internet software. Computer-sex offenders will sometimes provide potential victims with a computer account for communications with them.

2. What should you do if you suspect your child is communicating with a sexual predator online?

1. Consider talking openly with your child about your suspicions. Tell them about the dangers of computer-sex offenders.
2. Review what is on your child's computer. If you don't know how, ask a friend, coworker, relative, or other knowledgeable person. Pornography or any kind of sexually-explicit communication can be a warning sign.
3. Use the Caller ID service to determine who is calling your child. Most telephone companies that offer Caller ID also offer a service that allows you to block your number from appearing on someone else's Caller ID. Telephone companies also offer an additional service feature that rejects incoming calls that you block. This rejection feature prevents computer-sex offenders or anyone else from calling your home anonymously.
4. Devices can be purchased that show telephone numbers that have been dialed from your home phone. Additionally, the last number called from your home phone can be retrieved provided that the telephone is equipped with a redial feature. You will also need a telephone pager to complete this retrieval.
   • This is done using a numeric-display pager and another phone that is on the same line as the first phone with the redial feature.
   • Using the two phones and the pager, a call is placed from the second phone to the pager. When the paging terminal beeps for you to enter a telephone number, you press the redial button on the first (or suspect) phone. The last number called from that phone will then be displayed on the pager.
5. Monitor your child's access to all types of live electronic communications (i.e., chat rooms, instant messages, Internet Relay Chat, etc.), and monitor your child's email. Computer-sex offenders almost always meet potential victims via chat rooms. After meeting a child online, they will continue to communicate electronically often via email.
6. Should any of the following situations arise in your household, via the Internet or online service, you should immediately contact your local or state law enforcement agency, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
   • Your child or anyone in the household has received child pornography;
   • Your child has been sexually solicited by someone who knows that your child is under 18 years of age;
   • Your child has received sexually explicit images from someone that knows your child is under the age of 18.
7. If one of these scenarios occurs, keep the computer turned off in order to preserve any evidence for future law enforcement use. Unless directed to do so by the law enforcement agency, you should not attempt to copy any of the images and/or text found on the computer.

3. What can you do to minimize the chances of an online exploiter victimizing your child?

1. Communicate, and talk to your child about sexual victimization and potential online danger.
2. Spend time with your children online. Have them teach you about their favorite online destinations.
3. Keep the computer in a common room in the house, not in your child's bedroom. It is much more difficult for a computer-sex offender to communicate with a child when the computer screen is visible to a parent or another member of the household.
4. Utilize parental controls provided by your service provider and/or blocking software. While electronic chat can be a great place for children to make new friends and discuss various topics of interest, it is also prowled by computer-sex offenders. Use of chat rooms, in particular, should be heavily monitored. While parents should utilize these mechanisms, they should not totally rely on them.
5. Always maintain access to your child's online account and randomly check his or her email. Be aware that your child could be contacted through the U.S. Mail. Be up front with your child about your access and reasons why.
6. Teach your child the responsible use of the resources online. There is much more to the online experience than chat rooms.
7. Find out what computer safeguards are utilized by your child's school, the public library, and at the homes of your child's friends. These are all places, outside your normal supervision, where your child could encounter an online predator.
8. Understand, even if your child was a willing participant in any form of sexual exploitation, that he/she is not at fault; he/she is the victim. The offender always bears the complete responsibility for his or her actions.
9. Instruct your children:
   • To never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met online
   • To never upload (post) pictures of themselves onto the Internet or online service to people they do not personally know
   • To never give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number
   • To never download pictures or software from an unknown source, as there is a good chance there could be sexually explicit images, or contain ways for online predators to obtain personal information about them from your computer
   • To never respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or harassing
   • That whatever they are told online may or may not be true

4. My child has received an email advertising for a pornographic website, what should I do?

Generally, advertising for an adult, porno-graphic website that is sent to an email address does not violate federal law or the current laws of most states. In some states it may be a violation of law if the sender knows the recipient is under the age of 18. Such advertising can be reported to your service provider and, if known, the service provider of the originator. It can also be reported to your state and federal legislators, so they can be made aware of the extent of the problem.

5. Is any service safer than the others?

Sex offenders have contacted children via most of the major online services and the Internet. The most important factors in keeping your child safe online are the utilization of appropriate blocking software and/or parental controls, along with open, honest discussions with your child, monitoring his/her online activity, and following the tips in this pamphlet.

6. Should I just forbid my child from going online?

There are dangers in every part of our society. By educating your children to these dangers and taking appropriate steps to protect them, they can benefit from the wealth of information now available online.

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Fair Housing

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1. What is housing discrimination?

It is different treatment given to some home seekers because of their Race, Religion, Gender, Color, National Origin or Handicap. Giving someone a different sale or rental price to keep them out of the house or telling them it's been taken when it's really available are examples of discrimination. Denying anyone the use of a real estate broker or suggesting to a possible habitant of a property that they might be happy elsewhere are also forms of discrimination.

2. Who prohibits housing discrimination?

The federal government under the Fair Housing Law (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968); The Civil Rights Act of 1866; The State of Ohio Senate Bill 162 (1976); The City of Eaton's Ordinance 79-15 and Preble County Resolution Number 62-85-52 all prohibit housing discrimination.

3. What should you do about housing discrimination?

Housing discrimination should be reported to the Preble County Commission Office at 937-456-8143 or the City of Eaton Office at 937-456-4125.

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General FAQs

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1. Where do I get a copy of a birth certificate or death record?

Preble County birth/death records prior to January 1,1909 are kept on file in the Microfilm Department, 937-456-8122. Birth records after December 20, 1908, and death records after 1927 can be obtained at the Preble County Health Department at:

615 Hillcrest Drive
Eaton, OH 45320
Phone: 937-472-0087

Death certificates from January 1, 1909 through 1927 may be obtained through the Ohio Archives. Residents born in Ohio are able to obtain a copy of their Ohio registered birth abstract at the Preble County General Health District even if they were born outside of Preble County. A birth abstract is a birth certificate that contains no confidential medical information. This new abstract is widely accepted to obtain passports, drivers' licenses, and more. Deaths are recorded in the county in which they occurred, regardless of residence. Burial permits are issued for deaths occurring in any county in Ohio. An alphabetical index of all Preble County births and deaths is available at the Preble County General Health District. Please keep in mind that copies of the original birth certificate and death certificate records can only be obtained for someone who was born or deceased in Preble County. Otherwise, you must contact the county in the state in which the birth or death took place.

2. Where can I get an automobile license plate? Vehicle registration? Drivers license renewal?

License plates, vehicle registration, and drivers license renewals are handled by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at:

550 N. Barron Street
Junction Village Mall
Eaton, OH 45320
Phone: 937-456-9444

Visit the BMV website for more information and branch hours of operation.

3. Where do I get information on a Sheriff’s sale?

The Sheriff's Office handles Sheriff's sales, which are conducted each Friday beginning at 9 am on the first floor lobby of the Preble County Courthouse, 101 East Main Street, Eaton. You can get information by calling the Sheriff's Office at 937-456-6262 or visiting the Sheriff's page.

4. Where do I go to transfer my automobile title?

Automobile titles are handled by the Auto Title Department under the direction of the Clerk of Courts. You can get additional information from the Auto Title Department at:

546 N Barron Street
Junction Village Mall
Eaton, OH 45320
Phone: 937-456-8181

Visit the BMV website for more information and branch hours of operation.

5. How can I become a Notary Public?

You can obtain Information on how to become a Notary Public from the Clerk of Courts located on the third floor in the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320
Phone: 937-456-8160

6. Where do I go to get information on recording a mortgage or deed?

Information on recording deeds and mortgages can be obtained at the Recorder's Office located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320
Phone: 937-456-8173

7. Where can I get a Social Security card?

Social Security is administered by the federal government. To find the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office, visit the SSA website or call 800-772-1213.

8. Where do I get copies of divorce papers?

Contact the Clerk of Courts located on the third floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320
Phone: 937-456-8160

9. How do I apply for a marriage license?

You can apply for a marriage license at Probate Court located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320

For further information call 937-456-8137.

10. Where can I get copies of my service discharge papers?

Military discharge papers are retained at the Recorder's Office located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320

For further information call 937-456-8173.

11. Where do I go to change my name?

Name changes are handled by Probate Court located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320

For additional information call 937-456-8137.

12. Where do I start if I want to split my property?

If you need information on a property split, you can call the Office of Land Use Management at 937-456-8171 for further details.

13. How do I file an eviction?

Evictions are handled by the Eaton Municipal Court at:

1199 Preble Drive
Eaton, OH 45320

You can obtain more information by calling 937-456-4941 or visiting the Eaton Municipal Court website.

14. Where can I obtain a vendor’s license?

A vendor's license can be obtained in the Auditor's Office located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320

For further information, call 937-456-8148.

15. Where do I go to pay my traffic ticket?

Traffic violations in Preble County are handled by the Eaton Municipal Court located at:

1199 Preble Drive
Eaton, OH 45320

You can obtain more information by calling 937-456-4941 or visiting the Eaton Municipal Court website.

16. Why did my property taxes go up? How are my property taxes calculated?

Answers to these questions can be obtained from the Auditor's Office located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 East Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320

For more information, call 937-456-8148 or by visit the Auditor's website.

17. Where do I go to pay my property taxes?

You can pay your property taxes at the Treasurer's Office located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320
Phone: 937-456-8140

18. Who do I contact about building permits?

Questions about building permits and building regulations can be answered by contacting the Office of Land Use Management at 937-456-8171, located on the first floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320

19. Where do I register to vote?

Information on voter registration is available through the Board of Elections. You can either visit the Board of Elections website or call 937-456-8117 for information.

20. Where can I get a dog license?

You can get information on obtaining a dog or kennel license by calling the Auditor's Office at 937-456-8148, located on the second floor of the Preble County Courthouse at:

101 E Main Street
Eaton, OH 45320

21. How do I file a claim in small claims court?

Small claims in Preble County are handled through the Eaton Municipal Court. For further information call 937-456-4941 or visit Eaton Municipal Court's website.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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Items needed for Divorce and Dissolution Initial Filing

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1. What do I need for an initial filing of a Dissolution without children, without the assistance of legal council?

You will need the following:

• Affidavit 1- Affidavit of Income and Expenses- completed separately by each party
• Affidavit 2- Affidavit of Property- completed separately by each party
• Petition for Dissolution- signed by both parties
• Separation Agreement- signed by both parties
• Waiver of Service of Summons- signed by both parties
• Judgement Decree/Entry
• $400 Deposit

2. What do I need for an initial filling for dissolution with children, without the assistance of legal council?

You will need the following:

• Affidavit 1- Affidavit of Income and Expenses- completed separately by each party
• Affidavit 2- Affidavit of Property- completed separately by each party
• Affidavit 3- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit- completed separately by each party
• Affidavit 4- Health Insurance- completed separately by each party
• Petition for Dissolution- signed by both parties
• Separation Agreement- signed by both parties
• Shared Parenting Plan- signed by both parties
• Waiver of Service of Summons- signed by both parties
• Judgement Decree/Entry
• $500 Deposit

3. What do I need for an initial filling for a divorce without Children, without the assistance of legal council?

You will need the following:

• Affidavit 1- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
• Affidavit 2- Affidavit of Property
• Complaint for Divorce
• Instructions for Service
• Judgement Decree/Entry
• $400.00 Deposit

4. What do I need for an initial filling for a divorce with children, without the assistance of legal council?

You will need the following:

• Affidavit 1- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
• Affidavit 2- Affidavit of Property
• Affidavit 3- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit
• Affidavit 4- Health Insurance Affidavit
• Complaint for Divorce
• Instructions for Service
• Judgement Decree/Entry
• $500.00 Deposit