There are several concerns that exhibit favoritism, the first is steering children to certain daycare centers were she would reap the benefits of doing business with that daycare. Another concern was the Jack and Jill day care center, which was operated by Madison's sister-in-law Annie Adams whom received approximately $75,000 in state assistance in this fiscal year. A further tie to the Cherokee scandal includes involvement with the South Memphis Child Development Center, operated by Madison's sister, Phyliss Herring who also received an undisclosed amount from state subsidies. Although Madison's involvement looks suspicious, one would still have to ask if her interests were intentional or coincidental. She did in fact open up the market for more businesses to emerge into the child care industry and by doing so, has created a phenomenal economic impact on the African American child care industry. The question that must be asked is was Madison facing an ethical dilemma in her decision to allot funds to individuals who had a conflict of interest with her business or did she just have poor management skills? These questions have no right or wrong answers. .
Before Cherokee.
Cherokee Children and Family Services has held a broker contract in Shelby County since 1990 and has acted as the Shelby County's sole broker since 1992. Prior to Madison operating Cherokee child care services in 1990, the Community Day Care and Comprehensive Social Services Association held the award as the state's non-profit brokering agency. The executive director was William Hackett who administered subsidies to about 20-day care centers. At that time, there was no extensive knowledge in receiving assistance with child care fees. Once the state decided to change the way they administered funds, they went from individual centers being subcontractors, to a broker system and day care centers being independent vendors.