Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services

The state Superior Court ruled Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher can refile charges of failing to report abuse against Office of Youth and Family Services staffers, but cannot refile charges of endangering the welfare of children.

Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters withdraws charges against county Children and Youth Services caseworker Gerald Pender because a state appeals court ruled Adams County caseworkers doing their jobs had immunity from prosecution.

The Children's Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania helped more than 500 children last year. Addy the Advocate, a 10-week-old labrador retriever, will provide emotional support through the process.

Move puts Kerry Browning formally in charge of Lackawanna County agency she has led as acting director since January.

Department of Human Services' decision to upgrade the license follows a year of moves to fix the agency's staffing shortages and other problems.