📞 Advice and points of contact
In brief
There is no single nationwide point of contact for people with a criminal record – the support system consists of statutory duties and independent providers, mostly organised at municipal level, side by side. The probation service (Sozialer Dienst der Justiz) is provided for by law when probation or supervision of conduct (Führungsaufsicht) is running. In addition, independent offender support providers – such as Diakonie, Caritas or stand-alone associations – offer advice regardless of ongoing probation. The DBH-Fachverband für Soziale Arbeit, Strafrecht und Kriminalpolitik e. V. coordinates this work nationwide at a professional level, but does not itself advise in individual cases.
Step by step
- Clarify the statutory responsibilityCheck whether there is a statutory responsibility – for example the probation service while probation or supervision of conduct is running.
- Approach independent local providersFor general advice needs, contact local Diakonie, Caritas or specialised offender support associations.
- Use nationwide orientationThe DBH-Fachverband and its member organisations offer a good starting point if no suitable local service is known.
- Contact the TOA specialist centre for questions about making amendsFor questions about victim-offender mediation, the TOA service office or the regional TOA specialist centre can help.
- Involve several bodies in parallelFor questions about money, housing and debts, you should contact in parallel the bodies named on the respective topic pages (Jobcenter, debt counselling, help for people facing homelessness).
Deadlines
- There is no single nationwide point of contact – the support system is a patchwork of statutory duties and independent providers, mostly organised at municipal level.
- Besides providing support, the probation service also has a duty to supervise and report to the court – this is not "neutral" advice as with an independent provider.
- Offers from independent offender support differ greatly from region to region – if there is no local service, the DBH-Fachverband can refer you on.
- If you are unsure who is responsible, do not wait for months but contact several bodies in parallel.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Probation service
The probation service is provided for by law in § 56d StGB (probation) and § 68a StGB (supervision of conduct). It has a dual function: helping and supervising at the same time. The organisational affiliation (state employees or independent providers acting on behalf of the state) differs between the federal states.
Independent offender support
Providers such as Diakonie, Caritas and stand-alone offender support associations offer, regardless of ongoing probation, advice on housing, work, debts and social reintegration. The specific offer varies greatly by municipality and region.
DBH-Fachverband für Soziale Arbeit, Strafrecht und Kriminalpolitik e. V.
The DBH-Fachverband is a nationwide umbrella association that has for decades been active in the fields of offender support, probation service and victim support. It coordinates between the justice system, social services and independent providers, engages in policy work and, among other things, runs the service office for victim-offender mediation. It does not itself advise in individual cases, but can refer people to suitable regional bodies.
Further interfaces
For questions about money, housing and debts, the Jobcenter or employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), municipal debt counselling and municipal help for people facing homelessness are also relevant – see the respective topic pages of this Wegweiser.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.