It is late, or early, depending on your point of view, so forgive me in advance.  This story brings a few things to mind.  

First, government is best which governs least.  That was Thomas Jefferson, not me.  I think most providers on TER would tell you that they have more fear of government than anything else.  Be wary of the leviathan.  

Second, though I'm generally encouraged by the change I see in society (repeal of laws banning gay marriage and pot) this news story is evidence that reform cannot come soon enough.  Perhaps I'm foolish or naive, but I believe that one benefit of living in the Information Age is that bad ideas, policies, prejudices, etc. simply won't make it.  Martin Luther King said "no lie can live forever."  And though reform appears to be coming forever more quickly, the old people (voters) can't die quickly enough.  Especially for the unfortunate woman referenced in this news story. Come on!  When will these ridiculous laws be tossed on history's shitpile of discarded mistakes and prejudices. Not soon enough, apparently.  

Third, even if some wasteful, misguided, police force (I always wonder how any fiscally accountable government agency can justify paying someone to investigate a person like this provider, an act that appears to have no benefit whatsoever) decides to target nonviolent though productive and vulnerable people, nobody who is unfortunate enough to be charged should ever be convicted of anything.  It is pretty simple. Don't talk with or spend time with anyone that doesn't have the good sense to avoid the discussion of certain specific topics, and don't acknowledge or touch the donation until the client leaves.  

Forgive this drunken, rambling post.   And to the providers, thank you sincerely for the risks you take and for what you do to make the lives of your clients better.  Especially mine.