I think it is society's obligation to provide when the parent isn't.
Again this sounds good but we are talking the government here unless you are referrring to other family members or perhaps a church then I might agree. Anytime the government (namely the left) get any social program going it becomes a never ending, ever increasing, back hole funnel for tax money. Take the government and taxes out of the equation and solve the problem elsewhere. It will be much more effective. The problem you propose is valid be more specific about the solution 

So, this most vulnerable group of Americans will be able to receive adequate healthcare and other life essentials (education, food, clothing)  from their extended families and our churches when their parents lack the means? And what if these two groups lack the resources, Pat? Should we change the bumpersticker to "United We Stand, Unless You Fall Through The Cracks"? To whom should these children look then? The decent society that I want to live in will provide what is necessary. And that means all of us paying for it.