By 1965, an evaluation of the Porter-Leath Home by the Department of Public Welfare strongly recommended the institution update its services from just providing custodial care to a multiple-program format for children. According to the evaluation, other programs, such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), veteran’s benefits, foster homes and Social Security benefits, had limited the need for institutions serving dependent and neglected children. The Department determined, with professional casework and the utilization of other programs for children and families, many children could remain in their own homes. This service could best be accomplished by professional caseworkers working together with children, their parents and other community resources.
Apparently, the State’s recommendations, the changing climate of child-care and the home’s difficulty conforming to Federal Standards for a modern child-care agency convinced the administrators of Porter-Leath Home to reconsider the cooperative affiliation with Children’s Bureau. This endeavor resulted in the Porter-Leath Home consolidating its services with the Children’s Bureau effective November 20, 1969. When these two agencies merged, their combined efforts became known as the Porter-Leath Children’s Center. The goal of this merger was to provide comprehensive child welfare services for children and their families. According to the president of the Children’s Bureau, this consolidation was one of the greatest steps ever taken in Memphis toward providing treatment for children with emotional problems as well as dependent and neglected children.