THE Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) has responded to concerns about Hamilton and Portland Child Protection offices following the revelation of an internal document proposing changes to the Wimmera South West Area (WSWA) region services.

The plan, ‘Wimmera South West Area Management Proposal’, shows four vacancies among seven positions in Hamilton for child protection staff, with 10 of 20 unfilled in Portland and 20 of 31 vacant in Horsham.