A WOMAN who was adopted as a child is now studying to become a social worker to help other vulnerable youngsters.

Instead of being resentful about her birth parents’ decision to give her up, Wendy Heads said she is grateful that they have given her a ‘second chance’.

She was just two-and-a-half when she was welcomed into the home of Pauline and David Heads, a couple who went on to adopt another child and foster 70 more.

Miss Heads said that although she has always known about her birth parents - she has no desire to make contact. “They have written asking if we can meet but I don’t feel any need to,” said the 24-year-old who lives in Stockton.

“I have always known I was adopted but I’ve never resented them - they just could not cope. My birth parents have given me a second chance. They wanted their child to have everything so giving me up for adoption must have been very hard on them.

“My mum and dad showed me pictures about my birth parents and I was always encouraged to ask questions.”

From April 2012 Stockton Borough Council has approved 14 adopters, received 112 enquiries from potential adopters and approved the adoption of 31 children.

Miss Heads who is now in the second year of a social work degree at Teesside University was inspired by by her upbringing to help other needy children.

“If there were no social workers where would I be?” she asked. “The only thing I think that is wrong is the process of how to adopt a child – there are so many people who do not understand it, thinking they would not suitable and that can stand in the way of giving children a loving home.

“It can take a long time – about two years but at the end of the day you are getting a child’s life, not a dog or a toy. They have to check you are as suited to them as they are to you."

For more information about adoption contact the Child Placement team at Stockton Borough Council on 01642-526218 or email: child.placement@stockton.gov.uk.