But I also feel, that if it does happen, the best case scenario would be that the child becomes educated and becomes a productive member of society, as opposed to just wasting away like I’m sure we have all witnessed.
I see your point from a completely different angle.
We have 613 Mitzvos in the Torah + 7 D’rabbanan. Each time a mitzva is done (whether Bain Adam L’Makom or Bain Adam L’Chavairo) it is a Zechus and a fulfillment of Hashem’s word. If someone is “OTD”, they may very possibly be doing more mitzvos and be “better” in Hashem’s book than someone who is “officially” On the Derech, but cheats others, hurts his wife, etc. Part of Hashem’s Torah is to be kind, not cheat, be honest, honor your parents, etc. It is not a Zero-sum equation. A non-Frum Jew who eats Kosher this one time instead of Traif, or deals honestly in business instead of cheating, or joins the family for the Seder & eats Matza (even if he will eat Chometz the next day) will get incredible Zechusim in Shomayim for those acts.
With that idea in mind, it is obvious that someone who made an honest life for themselves is doing more of what Hashem wants
than someone who is “on the streets”.