BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) -- Across the United States, over 365,000 children and youth live in foster care, according to childwelfare.gov.

Many of the children in foster care come from tough backgrounds, so foster parents who offer a safe, stable and loving home to the kids during their most formative years can make a big difference in their lives.

"It's very important for the kids to have a safe environment as they learn and grow, their development is so important," said Maureen Patterson, foster parent of 3 years. "Especially in the early years, the kids really need safe, stable, loving homes."

Every child in foster care comes from a different background, whether it's financial issues, neglect, parental struggles or another circumstance, adjusting into a new home can be difficult.

Although the initial change can take a while for the children to adapt to, Toashie Rolles, who has fostered over 200 kids over 36 years, said many of her kids come back later in their lives to thank her for her effort.

Rolles talked to 12 News about steering her foster kids down the right path.

"First, they veer from that road, then they come back. I've had many kids come back as adults and say 'Thank you, Mom, you were right,'" said Rolles.

Foster care includes infants and teens.

Mirtie Sessler has been fostering babies since 1990 and told 12 News that she wants to ensure that the children have a good foundation to build on throughout their lives.

"What I try to do is make sure while I have them, their life is completely calm, peaceful, pleasant, so they have wherever they wind up," said Sessler.

The Children's Home is looking for more foster parents in Broome County and the surrounding area.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, The Children's Home will host an information session on May 28 at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Marie Wilczewski of The Children's Home at 607-644-5407 or email [email protected].