Clearfield County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

This guide focuses on clergy and church-related abuse resources in Clearfield County: diocesan records, reporting channels, and local support. For a broader discussion of institutional evidence and civil claims, see our Clearfield County childhood sexual abuse civil-claims guide. Each potential claim requires individual review.

Support and reporting in Clearfield County

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Suspected child abuse can be reported to Pennsylvania ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, 24 hours a day. Adults who experienced abuse as children can choose to contact law enforcement, a support provider, or an attorney.

• Diocese of Erie reporting and survivor assistance: The Diocese says past abuse involving clergy, employees, or volunteers may be reported at 814-451-1543 or to independent investigators at ErieRCD@KLGates.com. Its victim assistance coordinator is listed at 814-451-1521. See the Diocese’s official reporting information.
• Clearfield County Children, Youth & Family Services: The county lists its office at 212 East Locust Street, Clearfield, with a main contact number of 814-765-2642; the department directory lists 814-765-1541. See the county Children & Youth page. For suspected child abuse, report directly to ChildLine.
• Clearfield County Victim/Witness Office: The office is at the Courthouse Annex, 230 East Market Street, Clearfield. The county lists 814-765-2641 and Victim/Witness Coordinator extension 5003 on its official office page. Ask the office which services fit your situation.
• Civil court records: The county’s Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts is located at 1 North Second Street, Clearfield, and lists 814-765-2641, extension 5013. Call ahead to confirm access procedures and fees.

Church records and local context

The Diocese of Erie parish directory includes St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Clearfield and other parishes in the county. The Diocese also maintains public disclosures and investigation updates. A report, public listing, or archived document is not itself a court finding; review primary records carefully.

Potentially useful records can include parish or school directories, yearbooks, correspondence, photographs, and personal notes about dates and places. Keep originals and avoid posting sensitive names or details publicly. Do not contact a person you believe may have caused harm if that could create a safety risk.

Possible civil legal options

Possible claims depend on individual facts, including age at the time, timing, the people or organizations involved, and the law that applies. Pennsylvania law and legislation may change; proposed bills do not by themselves change current law. A lawyer can review the facts and explain options without requiring an immediate decision.

For statewide information, see the Pennsylvania child sexual abuse survivor rights and filing-deadlines guide. For diocesan records and broader regional context, see the Diocese of Erie clergy-abuse resources page.

Confidential conversation

You can ask about confidentiality, fees, and what information is needed before sharing detailed records. An initial request for a consultation does not need to include intimate details. This page is general information, not legal advice, and contacting the site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

More answers for survivors and families

Read our 95-question Pennsylvania clergy abuse FAQ for information about privacy, evidence, consultations, and possible civil claims.