Which individual is a widely recognized founder of the field of school social work?

• A. Mary Richmond
• B. Jane Addams
• C. Ray Graham
• D. Clifford Beers

Answer: (C)

Understanding who started school social work involves recognizing who first organized and championed social work services within schools. Ray Graham is widely credited with launching and promoting the field, helping to establish school-based social work as a formal part of the education system. He advocated for placing trained social workers in public schools to address students’ social, emotional, and family barriers to learning and helped develop professional standards and organizational backing for practitioners. In contrast, Mary Richmond is known for developing the social casework method in general, Jane Addams for the settlement house movement, and Clifford Beers for early mental health reform. Thus, Ray Graham’s leadership and vision are what earned him recognition as the founder of school social work.