Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All our assessments are conducted by qualified social workers registered with the SACSSP. Our reports are compiled according to forensic standards, ensuring they meet the evidentiary requirements for both Criminal and Civil court proceedings in South Africa.

Our team consists of specialists trained in Forensic Social Work and Therapeutic Jurisprudence. We have extensive experience providing oral testimony in various courts, defending our findings under cross-examination, and providing the court with impartial, expert insights into complex psycho-social dynamics.

Objectivity is the cornerstone of our practice. We utilize standardized assessment tools, multi-source collateral references, and evidence-based methodologies. Whether we are appointed by the defense, the state, or as a neutral third party in family matters, our primary duty remains to provide the court with an unbiased professional opinion.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of collateral witnesses. However, a standard assessment generally takes 15 to 20 business days from the final interview to the delivery of the signed report. We do provide a 6-10 turnaround period at additional costs.

Yes - our intervention programs are available as online sessions, allowing every person to find the structure that best supports their journey toward a sustainable, better future.

Email us for Quote or if you require additional information. We will call you back

Smit, A. & Padayachee, V. 2012. Criminal Cognition as a Risk Factor for Recidivism. Open Society Foundation for South Africa: Criminal Justice Initiative Occasional Paper Series 14. Padayachee, V.C.T & Smit, A. 2007. Book Review: Maruna, S., & Immarigeon, R. (Eds.). (2004). After Crime and Punishment: Pathways to Offender Reintegration. Devon, UK: Willan. 290 pp. International Criminal Justice Review September 17: 243-245 Smit, A. & Padayachee, V. 2009. Restorative Justice. In Pennington, S. Action for a Safe South Africa. Sandton, South Africa : The Good News (Pty) Ltd. Michael Miner , Charles Borduin , David Prescott , Helle Bovensmann , Renate Schepker , Reinmar Du Bois , Joann Schladale , Reinhard Eher , Klaus Schmeck , Thore Langfeldt, Arina Smit , Friedemann Pfäfflin. Standards of Care for Juvenile Sexual Offenders of the International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders, Sexual Offender Treatment, Volume 1 (2006), Issue 3

Submissions And Conference Presentations 2019: International Association for Responsible Drinking. Presentation on Road Offences Programme. 2015: Criminal Capacity of Children in Conflict with the Law. Unisa College of Law. Community Engagement project. Arina Smit and Ibtisaam Peck 2010, June – August. Research. The Development of an Accreditation System and Policy Framework for Diversion services in South Africa. 2014, 28-30 July. 6th Sexual Offences Indaba: “360 Degrees against sexual offences” , Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng. National Prosecuting Authority. Presentation on Sex Offender Management and Rehabilitation International Restorative Justice and Diversion Work 2013. Expert Consultation: Restorative Justice for Children: From Concept to Realization. UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children. Bali: Indonesia. Presentation on Restorative Justice and Diversion in South Africa. 2009. Restorative Justice. In Pennington, S. Action for a Safe South Africa. Sandton, South Africa: The Good News (Pty) Ltd. Smit, A. & Padayachee, V. 2007. Atlanta Marriot Marquis Hotel, November 14-17. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology. Crime and Justice: In the Global and in the Local 2006. 6-14 March. Malawi. Workshop with criminal justice personnel on diversion and the development of diversion models for Malawi. Supported by UNICEF. 2007. February – May. Consultative work for Child Justice Forum in Malawi, setting up Diversion services in Malawi. Funded by UNICEF Malawi