WARREN — The Arkansas Department of Human Services said an adult resident of the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center died Sept. 7, 2025, after a behavior incident in which staff used physical and chemical restraints and did not follow protocol.
In an Oct. 17 release, DHS reported 11 employees placed on administrative leave, one employee terminated, and an interim superintendent named at the Warren facility. Secretary Janet Mann called the loss “wholly unacceptable” and said reforms would extend to the state’s other Human Development Centers.
DHS limited personal details because of ongoing investigations and privacy rules, and posted a link to the full review. The Warren Police Department was not the lead investigative agency, according to local newspaper follow-ups citing DHS materials.
iSEARK will continue tracking primary DHS updates rather than rumor. Families with concerns about HDC care can contact DHS county offices listed on the agency site.
Source: Arkansas DHS news release (Oct. 17, 2025).