Change it? With that kind of power, I'd conquer it.

I had this exact thing happen to me. Family friend shows up unexpectedly with kids in tow, drops some doomsday crap on me and hopes I could help by validating her thoughts. Immediately backpedles when I suggest we get some food and at least come up with a plan so she wasn't literally driving all over the state aimlessly with zero money, cellphone battery, and gas.

I stepped in immediately between her and the kids and she left without them. I contacted everyone who should be in the loop with her license plate number and set to work making sure the kids were comfortable and somewhat happy after watching their mother literally abandon them.

It worked out, but this stuff wasn't easy to deal with regardless.