Adoptive parents could legally be able to 'return' adopted children

In Johannesburg, a stepfather’s application for his adoption of his ex-wife’s children to be rescinded was granted, six years after it was granted.

The man became legal guardian of his then wife’s children (a boy and girl) and he was present at the children’s birth. 

By October the next year the couple had divorced and the settlement awarded custody to the mother and granted the stepfather rights of contact and he was ordered to pay maintenance. 

He wrote affidavits that stated he had not seen the kids since the divorce but was paying maintenance. He also stated that the children had developed a relationship with their biological father in this time.

In coming to its decision, the High Court relied heavily on reports from the Family Advocate and Family Counsellor, and found that “the rescission of the adoption orders will merely give legal effect to the de facto situation” and would have no emotional or psychological effect on the children.

Basically what this says to me is that adoptive parents may be legally able to “return” their adoptive kids for lack of a better term.

I feel that it is extremely petty that this father wants to walk away from the kids just because they are his ex’s kids. 

An adoption should be permanent, whether the child is from an orphanage or your wife’s previous marriage. 

What are your thoughts on this matter?