This week’s CBS 19 Children are a Gift features a young girl who has spent several years in foster care and is still waiting to find her forever family.

Her name says it all. Diamond is a 15-year-old just waiting to shine. But growing up, no one paid her much attention.

“I grew up in a rough home, so these are like my mom to me,” Diamond said, about the ladies at BB 63 Salon, in Fort Worth, fussing over her.

On this day, Diamond got all the attention with a special makeover.

“It made me feel awesome! It made me feel like people care about me more than what I think,” Diamond said.

Diamond, who comes from a past filled with abuse and neglect, hasn’t felt this special in a long time.

“Not having my mom, God put me in this situation for the better. We don’t know why, but He knows,” said Diamond.

Wise beyond her years, Diamond has a determined and unbreakable spirit.

“My hope is just to do better in life.”

She believes the right attitude can carry you through the toughest of times, even being removed from the place she has called home.

“I feel heart-broken. I feel like nobody ever cared for me. It just feels like my whole life is messed up, and I think that sometimes. But then, other times. I realize what I have in life.”

Diamond is grateful for many things and remains hopeful she will be adopted.

“I just want to open my heart to anyone who could be my parents, because I didn’t have that chance to do that, so, it’s kind of new to me,” Diamond said.

Diamond needs a forever family who will advocate for her in every way and show her just how brilliant she really is.

“I’m beautiful both inside and out. I need to start thinking that more, and I’m here today to say I made it! So, I have to be proud of that and give myself more credit.”

To learn more about Diamond, join Gillian Sheridan for her Children are a Gift report next Tuesday night on CBS19 News at 6. You can also get information on other East Texas children waiting for a forever family by going to cbs19.tv or email gsheridan@cbs19.tv.

In order to adopt a child from foster care you must be licensed in the state of Texas as an adoptive parent. For more Information on how to get started please go to: www.adoptchildren.org or email Blythe.Waldran@dfps.state.tx.us. You may also call 817-792-4409 or 817-792-4954.