Office for Family

Family Intervention Team (FIT) General Information

The Family Intervention Team (FIT) is responsible for children and young people who are at immediate risk of child welfare due to repeated allegations of serious acts of violence and sexual offenses.

Detailed description

The Family Intervention Team (FIT) was founded in Hamburg in 2003 to respond quickly and specifically to violent behavior among children and adolescents. It intervenes when young people are found to have committed serious or repeated acts of violence, such as physical assault, robbery, or sexual assault. The FIT operates citywide, assessing support needs and coordinating appropriate support measures with the Youth Welfare Office, the police, and other agencies.

 

Information

Prerequisites

A minor has been (repeatedly) accused of serious acts of violence or sexual offenses.

Documents required

No

Please note

FIT cooperation partners:

  • District General Social Service
  • Departments and providers of child and youth welfare services (child and youth emergency services)
  • Youth Court Assistance (JGH), Youth Probation Service (JBH)
  • Police (Youth Officer)
  • School, Regional Education and Counseling Centers (ReBBZ) and Case Management of the Violence Prevention Counseling Center
  • Healthcare facilities (child and adolescent psychiatric clinics, drug rehabilitation clinics)
  • Central Immigration Office, district immigration offices

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • Affected persons are reported to the FIT by the Hamburg police.
  • The FIT contacts the family and conducts personal discussions.
  • The FIT makes an initial decision as to whether there is an urgent need for action.
  • A support plan is then agreed upon with the families and the children and young people. If assistance from the Youth Welfare Office is already being sought, FIT specialists will review the existing plan to determine whether any changes or additional measures are necessary.
  • If necessary, the FIT will also become active in family court proceedings.
  • The FIT maintains close dialogue with its cooperation partners during the care of a minor.

Processing time

The first contact will be made within 5 days of the notification. The further processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

Social Code, Book Eight (SGB VIII)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_8/BJNR111630990.html

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

Office for Family

Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: delinquent juveniles Problems with teenagers FIT Juvenile delinquency Criminal youth Family intervention team

Last updated: 10.09.2026