Parents Paid for Good Health Practices...

While researching the topic of Controversial Cultural Health Practices, I came upon this video on ABC News that tells about a program that pays parents for taking care of their children. Watch the video by clicking the link below, then read an excerpt the article about Mayor Bloomberg.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3594365&affil=wham

Mayor Bloomberg: Why Not Use Cash as Incentive?
As New York Starts Rewarding Low-Income Parents With Cash, Mayor Defends Plan New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has launched a $50 million initiative that would pay low-income families to take better care of their children and their health. (ABC News)

From World News with Charles Gibson Sept. 12, 2007
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg defends his new program — a new inititative launched today — to pay low-income families to take better care of their children and their health.
The social experiment, known as Opportunity NYC, modeled on plans designed to break the cycle of poverty in developing countries, was spearheaded by the billionaire mayor, who is using $50 million in private funding.
The program offers 5,000 low-income families payments if they get more involved in their kids' education and health care.
"Some people look at this and say, 'Whoa, you're paying people to do what they should be doing, anyway," ABC's Dan Harris told Bloomberg.
"Absolutely," he responded. "Now, what's the question? Your statement of fact is correct, but that doesn't make it wrong. What is clear is these people aren't doing what we'd like them to do. And so, if the only way you can get them to do it is by paying them, is that better or worse than not having them do it at all?"

By BOB JAMIESONMarch 31, 2007
Earn Cash: Stay Healthy and Stay in School
New York Plans Privately Funded Incentive Program for Beating Poverty's Pitfalls
New York City will experiment with a cash incentive program for the poor to spur good performance in school and healthy habits.
Do cash incentives make better parents? That's what New York intends to find out with a privately funded program focused on some of the city's poorest residents.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the program will make cash payments of up to $5,000 to parents who attend parent-teacher conferences, make sure their children attend school every day and for higher test scores. It will also pay incentives when parents and children receive regular medical checkups, including prenatal care.