Pushia cared for two foster children who were removed from his home two weeks ago, according to state Department of Human Resources spokeswoman Nancy Lineman. Pushia became a foster parent through a private agency after his application with Baltimore City had been denied, she said.
A former recruitment director for the Arc of Baltimore also said she had raised questions about Pushia's hiring. Ronda Evans said Pushia was rushed through the hiring process after his application was hand-delivered to her by a supervisor. Though Pushia cleared a background check, Evans said, she had concerns about his experience and saw that Pushia had several civil matters in the local court system that raised red flags.
Morgan, executive director of the Arc, said the organization has "clear standards" and several layers of screening for potential employees.
