Fifteen Over-the-Rhine parents will graduate tonight, joining more than 1,000 Cincinnatians who have completed a program designed to prevent violence in children by training their parents.

        “Raising Great Kids,” a free, 13-week course, teaches parents how to model for their children alternatives to violence and acting out. The course teaches adults anger management and how to appropriately express feelings, in addition to other parenting skills.

        The hope, organizers say, is that children will learn these positive behaviors from parents, counteracting other influences that encourage violence. A children's component, “Options for Youth,” also teaches better communication methods.

        So far, 1,035 parents and children have graduated from nearly 100 classes since the beginning of 1997. Parents attend a three-hour class once a week for 13 weeks.

        Family Service of the Cincinnati Area, a not-for-profit agency, offers the program to all city parents; the city of Cincinnati funds it.

        Most parents take the course voluntarily, others under court orders.ÙParents whose children commit three misdemeanors in two years are forced to attend or pay a fine for violating the city's parental responsibility ordinance.

        The Cincinnati law makes it illegal for parents or others with custody of anyone under 18 to not supervise them.

        So far, the program has graduated close to 1,035 parents and children from 96 classes since it began. Last year alone, 25 parent classes graduated 325 adults and 11 youth classes graduated 130 children, ages 7 through 12.

        This spring, nine parent classes and two youth programs are in place in eight neighborhoods. The summer schedule is being developed. For more information call 345-8545.

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