Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) last night secured the U.S. House of Representative's approval of $250,000 for KidsPeace in Tompkins County.  Hinchey, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, requested the funds for the therapeutic foster care program as part of the fiscal year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill.

"The KidsPeace program will help provide a wide array of support to children in the Ithaca area who are in need of foster care services." Hinchey said "These federal funds will enable this important program to go forward and touch the lives of children from Tompkins County who are in need of help.  This program is an outstanding undertaking and I am very pleased I was able to obtain approval for this funding from the House."

KidsPeace is beginning its new foster care program with the intended goal of meeting the needs of the undeserved foster community in the Ithaca area. This program will provide children in need with the support system necessary to thrive and overcome their unstable home environments. The program provides a number of services including training for foster families, professional support for children with behavioral and emotional needs, and provides a safe haven for those with broken homes.

The Senate must now take up its own version of the CJS appropriations bill for fiscal year 2010.