I understand the concern for the children, and thankfully nothing happened to either one. Not blaming them entirely, but children will drive you to so some crazy sh*t.
Sad part is she was probably threatening to put them out for years, and the one time she does it to get their attention, she goes to jail!
Now thats out of the way, I have questions:

When she put them out on the curb, why did they split up?
Why did the small on accept ice cream from a stranger?