Lackawanna County is closing down its fledgling health department and redirecting resources to reinvent the way it serves vulnerable children and families. County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin announced Thursday sweeping changes designed to keep more families out of the child welfare system and relieve pressure on the county’s embattled and understaffed Office of Youth and Family Services. The new approach should also save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in the long run, they said. Health department employees, about 26 in total, will have an opportunity to express interest in serving the county in other capacities. Those laid off and not retained will be paid through May 21 and maintain benefits through the end of the month.