The Pennsylvania Supreme Court plans to hear appeals on two fronts involving five Office of Youth and Family Service workers charged with failure to report child abuse.
Earlier this month, the state’s highest court granted requests for appeal from both the five workers and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s office. The workers argue immunity from a charge of failing to report child abuse. The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s office argues that not only should charges of failing to report child abuse stand, but that charges of endangering the welfare of children are also appropriate
The case goes back to June 2023, when Sadie O’Day Coyne, Amy Helcoski, Erik Krauser, Bryan Walker and Randy Ramik were charged with child endangerment and failure to report. Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons dismissed the charges in January 2024, citing state law that protects OYFS workers from prosecution in the course of their duties.
In February 2024, then-District Attorney Mark Powell filed an appeal of the decision, writing, “the ruling gives permission to every child protective services worker in the commonwealth to ignore their responsibilities without fear of any legal consequences. It’s wrong and it cannot stand. Our children deserve better.”
In March 2025, a three-judge panel of the state Superior Court heard arguments from Deputy District Attorney Sara Varela and a defense attorney representing the five defendants named in the case.
In a split decision issued in September 2025, the Superior Court held workers cannot face child endangerment charges but can be prosecuted on charges of failing to report child abuse.
In October 2025, the five workers filed a petition for allowance of appeal, asking that the state Supreme Court review the Superior Court’s decision that they could be tried on failure to report charges.
In asking the state Supreme Court to review the case, lawyers for the five workers argued that allowing them to face criminal prosecution for their good faith actions “exposes diligent, good faith caseworkers to criminal liability for their in-moment professional judgements.”
Later that month, Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher filed a petition challenging the OFYS workers’ request for appeal of the Superior Court decision.
The district attorney’s office also asks the state Supreme Court to overturn the Superior Court’s decision that the workers are legally immune from prosecution on child endangerment charges.
“It’s my responsibility to fight for the families and children of Lackawanna County,” Gallagher said. “Their health, safety and welfare is paramount to law enforcement and we will continue to hold those who have been entrusted with their care accountable.”
Helcoski, Krauser, Coyne and Walker are on paid administrative leave. Ramik has retired, a spokesperson for Lackawanna Count