Are you kidding?

So this afternoon the neighbor kid got into her dad's truck and drove it forward into our rental truck. Seriously. She's 12. She was with a friend and they both took off but Mike saw the whole thing. He went straight to their apartment and laid into them both. Their mom pulled her usual "It's not my fault, I didn't know they were out there, I can't control them, I told them to stop hours ago, what do you want ME to do about it?" BS.

The damage to the truck isn't THAT bad, and if it was the van, we'd come up with some way for them to compensate and move on with life, trying to use it as an opportunity for grace and forgiveness. But it's not our van, it's the rental truck, and we will probably be charged for the damage, which makes it more difficult.

Just some background, this girl's mom has serious issues with alcohol dependency and negligence toward her children. She believes in God, but is not following Him at this time. Her kids run rampant throughout the neighborhood, except for the oldest daughter, who is significantly developmentally disabled and never leaves the apartment. Her dogs also run all over the neighborhood, and until recently, there were 15-20 other various people in and out of her apartment at all hours of the day and night. We've had to call the police more than once. I've made some progress in getting to know her and praying with her. Thus far she has persisted in her attitude that nothing in her life is under her control, everything is bad and it's all someone else's fault.

My question is, how do I bring the gospel into this situation? Christ teaches us to have mercy and be forgiving, as God is merciful and forgiving. But he also requires us to take responsibility for our actions. Sin has consequences, I have experienced them. This girl is 12 and has no parent willing to guide her in this world. Her mother has thrown up her hands and decided life is too hard. She sleeps all day and pays little attention to the kids. There are no consequences in their household. If I just say, "No problem, we'll take care of it," am I doing her any favors? I don't think so.

I'm looking for ideas - real ones. I really believe this is an opportunity to live out the gospel with this family. I just don't know how. If you've got ideas, or if you're willing to pray with us for some - let me know.