Adams County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

If you experienced sexual abuse connected to a church, clergy member, or religious organization in Adams County, you may have questions about support, reporting, and possible legal options. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Deadlines and options depend on the facts of each situation.

Confidential survivor support

Sexual Assault Services of Adams County provides support through the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape network. Call its 24-hour hotline at 1-888-772-7227 for counseling, advocacy, and referrals.

YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County serves Adams County and offers free, confidential support, including counseling and advocacy. Its 24-hour hotline is 1-888-727-2877.

The Adams County Victim Witness Program can explain victim services and case-related support at 717-337-9844. Its office is at 117 Baltimore Street, Room 302, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Ask about confidentiality before sharing details: information provided to the program may be shared with prosecutors, law enforcement, or probation as allowed by its process.

Reporting abuse connected to a church

If a child may currently be at risk, contact law enforcement or ChildLine at 800-932-0313. For immediate danger, call 911.

Adams County is within the Diocese of Harrisburg. The diocese lists Michelle Shae as Victim Assistance Coordinator at 717-657-4804, extension 234. The diocese instructs people to report suspected child abuse to ChildLine first, then contact its reporting hotline at 800-626-1608. A survivor may choose whether to contact a church organization; reporting to a church does not replace reporting to civil authorities.

Adams County court contact

The Adams County Prothonotary is located at the Adams County Courthouse, 117 Baltimore Street, Room 104, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The office phone is 717-337-9834. Contact the office to confirm filing procedures, fees, and venue requirements. Court staff cannot provide legal advice.

Pennsylvania civil filing deadlines

Pennsylvania law provides an extended period for certain civil damages actions arising from childhood sexual abuse: generally, a claimant who was under 18 when the abuse occurred may bring a qualifying action until age 55, reflecting 37 years after turning 18. A separate provision can allow a person abused between ages 18 and 24 to bring certain actions until age 30. The details and application of these provisions can depend on the claim and circumstances, so an attorney should assess any potential deadline promptly.

As of November 7, 2026, Pennsylvania House Bills 462 and 464 had not become law; their most recent recorded action was June 23, 2026, when discharge motions were removed from the Senate calendar. Do not assume a new filing window is open based on proposed legislation.

Getting legal guidance

An attorney can review the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties, and explain possible claims and deadlines. Sean Logue has represented hundreds of survivors of abuse connected to the Boy Scouts of America and children abused in Pennsylvania detention centers. Learn more about Pennsylvania sexual abuse legal resources.

This information is educational and is not a substitute for advice from an attorney about your circumstances.