Reporting Abuse to the Diocese

Pastoral care and compassion for victims, as well as the protection of children and vulnerable adults, is a top priority of the Diocese of Erie. The diocese encourages anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy or any employee or volunteer of the church, to contact law enforcement. To report abuse to the independent investigators retained by the Diocese of Erie, email ErieRCD@KLGates.com. Victims or concerned individuals also are welcome to contact the diocese directly to report abuse at 814.451.1543. Counseling assistance is available for victims and/or their families through the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, Dr. Gerard Tobin, who can be reached at 814.451.1521.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger from abuse CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
Anyone can report suspected child abuse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Report suspected child abuse by calling: CHILDLINE at 1-800-932-0313. Persons not mandated to report may choose to remain anonymous.

Mandated Reporters:
A mandated reporter is legally required to make a direct, immediate report of suspected or known abuse of a minor to Childline. Those who are employed or volunteer in a parish, school, agency, or institution are Mandated Reporters and should follow this procedure:

File a report of suspected child abuse online using the link below.
www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
Click on "Individual Login," then "Access My Referrals."

• Or call Childline at 1-800-932-0313
After the call to Childline, the Mandated Reporter will complete form CY-47 and file the form with the appropriate Office of Children and Youth Services within 24 hours of the initial report.

Click on Children and Youth Offices by County to find your county agency.

District Attorneys by County


Additional requirements for Mandated Reporters:
• Employees or volunteers will immediately notify the person in charge and provide them a copy of the report. The person in charge will forward a copy of the online report, if filed online, or the CY47, if Childline was called, to the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth within 24 hours of the initial report being filed. See Policy, Section V, A, #4a.

• If reporting suspected abuse by a school employee/administrator, refer to the Policy for the Protection of Children, Section V, A, #4b for additional reporting procedures.

Revised: February 2023