Bailing the parents out of the debt hinders the emotional development of everyone involved.
As has been explained, the parents will not go to jail over the non-payment. They can make smaller payments to the companies and when the agency calls to make other arrangements, just tell them that they cannot afford to pay more than $xx.xx per month. There are provisions in place besides going to a family that someone considers 'dead'.
It might be too late for the parents to change their habits and learn to be more responsible. But those who learn of the situation may take note and learn a lesson.
But it just might help the 'spirit-minded' brother to reconsider his actions, think how his life will look 30 years from now, and make the necessary adjustments.
Noone benefits from Confusedandalone bailing out irresponsible people.
Take that $10k and create a fund to assist teenagers trying to escape and get an education. Offer a 'refund' on tuition upon successful completion of a semester. Or something like that. Something where the recipient has to first do something positive, then receive small increment of reward.
Just my thoughts on this scenario.
-Aude.
PS: "conshints" - that was pretty funny. Never seen that before. And the quote from the song... I caught that, too as I was reading it. That's not a scripture... It's an old song lyric!