Proof of Attendance

Proof of SMART Recovery Meeting Attendance for Legal Purposes

Many people attend SMART Recovery meetings because they are required to show proof of attendance for court, parole, community corrections, job agencies or other services. In almost all cases, a Pathcheck Attendance Certificate is the appropriate form of documentation.

Pathcheck – the standard for legal proof of attendance

For legal and official purposes, SMART Recovery Australia directs participants to Pathcheck first.

We strongly recommend that anyone who may need evidence for legal or formal reasons:

• Uses Pathcheck to record attendance, and

• Downloads an Attendance Certificate every week they attend a meeting.

Each certificate includes:

• Your name (as recorded in Pathcheck)

• Meeting date and time

• Meeting ID and verification code

• Attendance confirmation

These certificates are widely accepted by courts, legal representatives, parole and community corrections, and other agencies.

We recognise that participants who are not currently involved in the justice system may not regularly download certificates, but for anyone who may need legal proof in the future, this is the safest approach.

Online meetings

Pathcheck is the online tool participants use to get a certificate of attendance after a SMART meeting. It’s especially helpful for those who need proof for court, parole, job agencies or support programs.

You can create a free Pathcheck account.

For online meetings:

• The Pathcheck code for each meeting can also be found on the meeting page, just below the Pathcheck logo. It is available from 6 days before the meeting starts.

• The facilitator shares a 6-character Pathcheck code during the session (typically in the Zoom chat).

• You enter this code into Pathcheck, using the same name and email used for your registration or sign-in.

• You then download your Attendance Certificate for that meeting.

In-person meetings (legal context)

For in-person meetings, there are two options:

• Pathcheck in-person: If the facilitator uses Pathcheck, you can record your attendance and download a digital Attendance Certificate.

• Paper form: If Pathcheck isn’t used, you can bring a printed attendance sheet and ask the facilitator to sign it after each meeting. This signed form may be accepted as proof of attendance.

To receive a signature, you must actively participate in the meeting (at the facilitator’s discretion):

1. Print the attendance sheet below and bring it with you to the SMART Recovery meeting (facilitators do not provide or print this form).

2. At the end of the meeting, ask the facilitator to sign the form for that session.

Reference letters and court reports

SMART Recovery Australia does not usually provide personalised reference letters or character reports for court. In most situations, Pathcheck Attendance Certificates (and, if necessary, signed attendance forms) are considered sufficient proof.

If a court or legal authority specifically requests documentation that appears to go beyond a standard certificate, please contact SMART Recovery Australia so we can review what is being requested and advise on next steps.