Hi,
As a Youth at Risk counsellor I think I may be in a position to answer you on this one.
1st – NO, DO NOT TELL THEIR PARENTS often situations like this are caused because of family issues or at least aggravated by them.
Next – If you are aware that the kids are close with a mentor of a youth advisor/counsellor, DO discuss it with them
– If this is not the case or you are not aware of this and the family have a Rov or are close to a Rov or Manhig who can understand these issues and/or is a warm understanding person please discuss it with them, they will know how and with who to approach this.
– Your job is: always show these kids wo are undoubtedly going through an unsettled time, extra warmth, always I nice good shabbos and hello, if your home is suitable then after a few weeks of getting to each other, invite them round, thu night cholent, friday night kugel etc etc…, if not do what you can by showing them they are still valued in the eyes of an adult. DO NOT BE THE ONE TO GIVE THEM MUSSAR, however if down the line they ask you advice TOVOI ALOV BROCHO
people dont realise that here really applies – KOL HAMEKAYAM NEFESH ACHAS MYISROEL K’ILU KIYAM OILAM MOLEI – maybe the Reboinoi Shel Oilom wanted you to be the one so it can be your job in helping them.
I once heard from Rabbi Shloime Bochner (of Bonei Oilom)that Kedushas Levi says that every person has in this world someone or something to help with and this is the main part of our life to be Mesakan our Neshomo. Who knows… maybe this might be yours…
Whatever step you take now make sure its the right one The Rewards are yours for generations to come!
Wishing you loads of Hatzlocha Rabboh, I can be contacted via the moderator for my email.