(a) Prior to the date set by the court for a hearing on the petition for adoption, it shall be the duty of a child-placing agency appointed by the court or any other independent agent appointed by the court to verify the allegations in the petition for adoption, to make a complete and thorough investigation of the entire matter, including a criminal records check of each petitioner, and to report its findings and recommendations in writing to the court where the petition for adoption was filed. If for any reason the child-placing agency or other agent finds itself unable to make or arrange for the proper investigation and report, it shall be the duty of the agency or agent to notify the court immediately, or at least within 20 days after receipt of the request for investigation service, that it is unable to make the report and investigation, so that the court may take such other steps as in its discretion are necessary to have the entire matter investigated.

(b) If the petition has been filed pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section 19-8-6 or 19-8-7, the court is authorized but not required to appoint a child-placing agency or other independent agent to make an investigation in whatever form the court specifies.

(c) If the petition has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-8, or if the department has conducted an investigation and has consented to the adoption, an investigation shall not be required.

(d) Where a criminal records check of a petitioner is required pursuant to this Code section, that petitioner shall pay the fee and the child-placing agency or other independent agent may make application for such records check to the Georgia Crime Information Center.

(e) The court may appoint the department to serve as its agent to conduct the investigation required by this Code section if an appropriate child-placing agency or independent agent is not available. If for any reason the department finds itself unable to make or arrange for the proper investigation and report, it shall be the duty of the commissioner of human resources to notify the court immediately, or at least within 20 days after receipt of the request for investigation service, that it is unable to make the report and investigation, so that the court may take such other steps as in its discretion are necessary to have the entire matter investigated.

(f) The court shall require the petitioner to reimburse the child-placing agency or other independent agent, including the department, for the full cost of conducting the investigation and preparing the report. Such cost shall not exceed $250.00 unless specifically authorized by the court.