How do we make amends over a Bad Check?

Our friend has asked us to cash a check for her since she has no drivers license and like a fool we did.Well the check was for 500 and now the bank said until the check is picked up they will attach my husbands ssd check on the 1st to cover it.Can the bank do this?And how do we go about recouping our money back.I cant get her to answer her phone and she is not been home.I found out she has been in jail before for this.