Elza CilliersSocial Worker · Private Practice
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Process

From instruction to court-ready report.

Every matter follows a structured process — designed to be transparent to instructing attorneys, fair to the person being assessed, and defensible before the court.

  1. 01

    Initial enquiry & instruction

    Attorney or client makes contact with the case reference, court name and date, and a short summary of the matter. I confirm capacity and any conflicts.

  2. 02

    Quotation & engagement

    A written quote is issued covering scope, fee, and timeline. On acceptance, formal instruction is recorded and intake is scheduled.

  3. 03

    Document review

    I review the charge sheet, J88 / medical reports, prior reports, SAP records and any other documentation provided to ground the assessment.

  4. 04

    Intake interview with the offender

    A structured clinical interview covering background, family, education, employment, mental and physical health, substance use, and the offence itself.

  5. 05

    Collateral interviews

    Interviews with family, partners, employers, mentors and — where appropriate and approved — the victim, to corroborate and contextualise.

  6. 06

    Risk & rehabilitation assessment

    Application of recognised assessment frameworks to evaluate risk of re-offending and realistic rehabilitation prospects.

  7. 07

    Drafting the report

    A court-ready report written in plain language, with a clear, reasoned recommendation. Draft shared with the instructing attorney where appropriate.

  8. 08

    Submission & testimony

    Final report submitted ahead of the sentencing date. I am available to attend court and testify to the findings if called.

Ready to start?

Send the matter details and the sentencing date — I'll come back with a quote and confirm timeline.

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