SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — A boy featured three times before on Adopt 8 is making another appearance, but this time, he's no longer waiting to find a forever home.
Dwayne was recently adopted by a local couple, who saw his story here on News 8 and knew he belonged with them.
In this Adopt 8 Success Story, Marcella Lee catches up with Dwayne and his new family.
It's been four years since we first met Dwayne and watching his transformation has been absolutely incredible.
His life changed for good last year, when his foster mom told him this:
"'There's a family that's wanting to adopt you,' and my heart just froze for that second, that one second and I just started going crazy," said Dwayne."I said 'Yes! Finally, finally!'"
It had been a long wait for Dwayne.
Back in 2014, he was 9 years old and living in an emergency children's shelter. Dwayne was shy and longing for support.
But a year later, when we featured him a second time, Dwayne was a completely different kid - outgoing and engaging.
All thanks to a stable and loving foster family.
By 2016, when Adopt 8 caught up with him again, Dwayne had emerged as a leader with impressive accomplishments. He talked about playing trombone and being school president.
That third time on Adopt 8 was the charm when his resilience and perseverance captured the hearts of Paul and Noelle.
"He just has a great personality; he's positive," said Noelle.
And after the first few visits, Dwayne couldn't wait to move in.
"I really enjoyed being with them," he said. "I always had a smile when I was with them and just loved hanging out with them every time I went over to their house."
Soon "their house", became Dwayne's house too. His adoption was finalized three months ago.
"Dwayne's been a great addition to our family," said Noelle.
Noelle, whose father was adopted, says she and Paul never considered having biological children.
"No, this was always our first choice - to adopt - and we wanted, specifically, older kids," said Noelle.
"We didn't want to have our own kids, babies, but we wanted to have an older kid and we found a great kid," said Paul. "I think we were super lucky. Dwayne's been a great fit, just as well for us."
The couple says their only regret is not finding him sooner.
"He has an aunt that he keeps in contact with and she sent us some pictures of when he was really little and I really wish we had him back then; but it's still good to have him now," said Noelle.
When asked what he would say to other foster kids hoping to be adopted, Dwayne answered:
"I would say, 'Don't give up. It may take a lot of time and tears might go flying everywhere but still don't give up."
If you are interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, please call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U.
View more incredible Adopt 8 stories at https://www.cbs8.com/adopt8