Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Monday that 11 employees have been placed on administrative leave and one employee has been terminated following the death of an adult resident at the Southwest Arkansas Human Development Center. The tragic incident occurred on Sept. 7, when staff responded to a behavioral incident involving the resident, which led to the use of both physical and chemical restraints.
According to DHS, a review of the event revealed that staff failed to follow established protocols during the incident. As a result, the agency took immediate action to place the majority of the involved employees on administrative leave, while terminating one employee for their role in the incident. DHS emphasized that the review and disciplinary actions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and the safety of residents in their care.
In response to the situation, DHS has named an interim superintendent for the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center to help stabilize operations and guide staff through the changes. Officials also noted that the agency is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the resident’s death. DHS promised to take “additional steps to hold staff who did not follow procedure accountable and to implement recommended changes at this facility.”
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DHS Secretary Janet Mann released a statement addressing the incident and the agency’s next steps. “The loss of one of the residents entrusted to our care at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center was wholly unacceptable and is not reflective of the level of care we work to provide Arkansans every day,” Mann said. “We offer our deepest sympathies to the individual’s family and are working to both hold accountable those responsible for this incident and make changes throughout our system to prevent future tragedies.”
Secretary Mann acknowledged the limitations in providing detailed information, citing the ongoing investigation and privacy considerations for the deceased resident. “While we are limited in the specific information we can provide because of ongoing investigations and to respect the privacy of the resident who died, the information we have shows that there were significant issues throughout the handling of this case,” Mann explained.
The department emphasized that the steps taken — including administrative leave for multiple employees, the termination of one staff member, and the appointment of an interim superintendent — are part of a broader commitment to improve care standards at human development centers across the state. DHS is actively reviewing policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents and to ensure that all residents receive safe, respectful, and appropriate care.
“This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance, adherence to procedures, and oversight within facilities serving vulnerable populations,” Mann said. “We are committed to implementing reforms so our residents receive the proper and safe care they deserve.”
Families of residents and advocacy groups are expected to closely monitor the situation as the investigation continues. DHS has reiterated that protecting the well-being of residents is a top priority and that additional measures will be put in place to strengthen safety protocols and staff accountability throughout the state’s human development centers.
The department’s ongoing actions reflect a broader effort to address systemic issues and to restore trust in facilities tasked with caring for some of Arkansas’ most vulnerable citizens.
