BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

The Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center has launched a new

program for needy families called Project Connections.

The free program includes weekly home visitations to help families

with household budgeting, stress management, child development, positive

disciplining, and health and hygiene.

The program is available to Costa Mesa families with at least one

child 5 years old or younger, or a pregnant woman.

Risk factors that qualify a family for the program may include a teen

parent, a history of substance abuse, domestic violence and low income.

Five team members -- all of whom are bilingual -- will collaborate to

help the families.

Michelle Peterson, public relations official for the program, said the

new program, which aims to help 100 families this year, is nowhere near

being filled to capacity.

There are more than 70 spaces left, she said.

Information: (714) 543-4333 or https://o7 www.KidCareCenter.comf7 .