Interventions & Court Sectioning
Compassionate, professional support for families seeking court-ordered treatment for a loved one who is not yet ready to accept help.
When a person’s substance dependency has reached the point where they are a danger to themselves, their family or their community - yet they refuse to accept help - South African law provides a route to care.
Under the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act (Act 70 of 2008), a close family member may apply to court to have a dependent loved one admitted to a treatment centre as an involuntary service user. This is neither a criminal nor a civil matter and leaves no criminal record - it is a family-driven process intended purely to get your loved one the treatment they need.
Harmony Retreat guides families through every step, with discretion and care.
Everything this service covers
A clear, practical scope - tailored to you once we talk.
The legal route to admission under Act 70 of 2008
When a loved one refuses help and is a danger to themselves or others, a close family member can apply to court to have them admitted, and we walk you through each step.
Confidential interview
You meet with us in confidence to describe your loved one's dependency and complete the information sheet the court requires, with no criminal record involved.
Prepare the application
We help you prepare the court document and your sworn affidavit setting out why your loved one should be admitted as an involuntary service user.
Court screening and inquiry
The court screens the application and issues a summons or warrant, then hears the inquiry, which usually takes place within days of lodging.
Admission and family aftercare
Your loved one is admitted under a court order valid for one year, and we plan aftercare for the whole family from that point onward.
Gad Avnon
Director and Lead Addiction Counsellor
Master's in Psychotherapy & Counselling, Honours in Pastoral Counselling, 30+ years in addiction treatment
Read more about GadAn instrument in the hand of the Father. Thank you Harmony Retreat for your help.
Ready to begin?
Contact us to discuss your needs and arrange a session. Every enquiry is confidential.