11:16 a.m.

The city of Costa Mesa and the county of Orange have agreed to pay $70,000 to a mother and grandmother who alleged that their child was removed without due legal process in 2006.

Debbie and Angeline Balsitis, the child’s mother and grandmother, claim that officials lacked probable cause when they detained the child for nine days in August 2006. Their suit also alleged that social workers intentionally mishandled evidence in an attempt to prolong the child’s detainment.

“Our clients are hopeful this case will prevent other families from being shoved into a similar circumstance without just cause,” attorney Shawn A. McMillan said in a release.

As part of the settlement, the city has also agreed to review the policies regarding child removal.