Page 243
(c) The fee for certification in both categories simultaneously is $35.00; (2) The Department of Social Services may waive any required fees if the individual or child placing agency are completing the preplacement and postplacement reports or conducting Consents and Relinquishments solely for the use by the Department of Social Services. F. Denial or Revocation of a Certificate (1) Complaints about the performance or conduct of a Certified Investigator may be addressed to the State Office Adoptions, South Carolina Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 1520 Columbia, South Carolina 29202–1520. (2) The Department has the authority to thoroughly investigate any complaints about the performance or conduct of a Certified Investigator. (3) The decision to deny or revoke a Certificate is made by the Department. The Certificate is the property of the Department and must be returned within ten (10) working days after revocation. Any of the following actions by a Certified Investigator or person to obtain Consents or Relinquish- ments may be grounds for denial or revocation of a Certificate: (a) An act or omission violating the South Carolina Child Protection Act, or any other act or omission in violation of Section (H) Code of Ethics, or any other act or omission which would threaten the health, safety or well-being of clients; (b) A violation of the provisions of the South Carolina Adoption Act or its regulations; (c) Fraudulent information given during the application or recertification process; (d) Material misrepresentation to clients during the course of business; (e) Conviction of, forfeiture of bond, a plea of nolo contendere, or a guilty plea to a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude. However, the Department, in its discretion, may except this ground if the individual submits written documentation of the completion of a rehabilitation program and the effects of the rehabilitation efforts on the individual’s behavior. An evaluation by the involved counselor, therapist, or other appropriate professional must be submitted to the Department. G. Appeal of Denial of Application or Revocation of Certificate (1) If an individual is denied a new or renewal certificate or if a certificate is revoked, the individual will be sent a certified letter containing the following information: (a) The Department’s decision; (b) The basis of that decision; (c) The right to appeal the decision; (d) The procedure for such an appeal. (2) The Investigator will have thirty (30) days to appeal the decision in accordance with Department Fair Hearing Regulations, South Carolina Code of Regulations 114–100, et. seq. H. Code of Ethics (1) Any act that is in violation of the spirit and purpose as well as the letter of the Code of Ethics shall be unethical practice. (2) The Certified Investigator should maintain high standards of conduct in the capacity of Certified Investigator. (3) Whenever conflict between the interests of the child, who is the primary subject of adoption, and adults is involved, the best interests of the child shall govern decisions. (4) It is the responsibility of the certified person to protect the rights of vulnerable birth parents who are making decisions regarding their children regardless of the source of payment for services rendered. This principle must be clearly stated and understood in arrangements for payment for services rendered. (5) When setting fees, certified persons should ensure they are fair, reasonable, and commensu- rate with the service performed and with due regard for the clients’ ability to pay. (6) Certified persons will perform duties and tasks in the time specified and never delay the adoption of a child without good cause.