[quote=The Nexerus]
If you want to reliably care for someone who is dependent on you, it is horrifically irresponsible to turn to crime and risk being taken away from them. You're not going to pay mommy's medical bills from the inside of a prison cell.
[/quote]

What else would you have them do? Apply for jobs that they're not qualified for? As far as they can see, either you take the risk and get something out of it, or you don't and your little brother goes to bed without dinner.