Seeing children that are panhandlers.

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I am seeing more instances of children, usually about ages 9 or 10, to 12 or so, out begging. They ask for ''a few dollars'' from everyone they can. Often you can see them talking to someone through a car window, and when they see you, they hurry to get to you to ask you for money. It seems they are being sent to panhandle by parents, as a child is more likely to collect money than an adult. Then the child knocks on your car window before you can even turn your car off, to ask you for money. We are encouraged by law enforcement to call the police when we see this, as they are really concerned the children will get hurt or worse. I had this happen today to me, of all the strange places, at the parking lot of a clinic I take my son to. I asked they young boy if he was by himself (this is a very busy area) and yes, it's in a good neighborhood, but panhandlers go where they are told the people are generous. He said his mother was waiting in the car. He looked scared. A security guard walked by while this was going on, and he told the boy that people were not allowed to panhandle there--This was the clinic to our bigger hospital, and that hospital campus has security. I didn't have to wonder about calling anyone, since he took care of it, and we went inside. If anyone did give them money, would it go for needs, or for something else since the parent is the one behind this? I told the child I had no cash, which was true. But then the guard showed up and I didn't have to elaborate...still, I feel bad for these kids. Would you give money to a child panhandler, when the parent sends them to do that? I do realize times are tough right now, really hard for so many. But this seems wrong, to send you kids out to beg.