Parents who know they're child the most should be first in line to be paid to take care of the child. The safest environment and the healthiest environment for most children with special needs are with the parent of the child. Our child has to be cathed every 3 hours and has a bowel program everyday. It makes sense for the parent to be the person to meet those needs. If someone is going to be paid it should be the parent or parents who safely meet the needs of the children everyday. More often than not the child responds and is more comfortable with the parent or parents of the child. Providing help to the parents of special needs children would be what is best for the parents and child involved. Outside of the home should be the 2nd option not the first.