Christian Foster Care in Sumter County, Florida
Serving children and families in The Villages, Bushnell, Wildwood, Center Hill, Webster, and surrounding communities.
The need for foster families in Sumter County
Children in Sumter County enter foster care because of abuse, neglect, or family crisis, often with little notice and significant disruption to their lives. In a smaller county like Sumter, the number of licensed foster families is limited, which can make placement especially challenging.
When foster homes are not available locally, children may be placed outside the county, away from familiar schools, extended family, and community support. Even one additional foster family in Sumter County can make a meaningful difference in a child’s ability to remain close to home.
A Door of Hope partners with Christian families to help meet this need with compassion, stability, and care.
Cities and communities we serve in Marion County
A Door of Hope serves children and families throughout Sumter County, including:
The Villages
Bushnell
Wildwood
Center Hill
Webster
Having foster families within Sumter County helps reduce displacement and provides children with greater continuity during an already difficult transition.
Foster care needs unique to Sumter County
Because Sumter County has a smaller population and fewer licensed foster homes, each foster family plays an outsized role in meeting the needs of children in care.
Some of the greatest needs in Sumter County include foster families willing to:
Care for children of all ages
Support sibling placements
Provide stable, local homes when emergencies arise
In Sumter County, one family saying yes can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
How A Door of Hope supports foster families in Sumter County
Foster families in Sumter County receive consistent support from A Door of Hope, including:
Faith-based foster parent training and licensing
Ongoing advocacy and relational support
Trauma-informed education and resources
Practical help during placements and transitions
A community of Christian foster families
Our team works closely with local child welfare partners and churches to ensure foster families feel equipped and supported.
How to get started as a foster parent in Sumter County
Becoming a foster parent in Sumter County begins with a simple first step.
Attend a one-hour online foster care info session
Begin the foster parent licensing process
Get matched with a child or sibling group in need
For churches in Sumter County
Churches across Sumter County play a vital role in supporting foster families and caring for vulnerable children. Whether through prayer, practical care, or encouraging families to step forward, local churches help create a strong, local network of support.
If your church is located in The Villages, Bushnell, or anywhere in Sumter County, we would love to partner with you.
Frequently asked questions about foster care in Sumter County
Do I have to live in Sumter County to foster children here?
Foster parents are typically licensed in the county where they live, but may care for children from surrounding counties when appropriate.
Can single adults become foster parents?
Yes. Single adults who meet licensing requirements are welcome to apply
Do foster parents choose the age of children they foster?
Families can indicate preferences regarding age ranges and placement types.
Is foster care temporary?
Foster care is usually temporary, with reunification as the primary goal whenever possible.
Serving 11 Florida Counties
A Door of Hope licenses, trains, and supports Christian foster families across 11 counties in Florida:
View All Counties We Serve