The father of school social work is considered to be

• A. Jane Addams
• B. Ray Graham
• C. Mary Richmond
• D. L. Langston

Answer: (B)

Ray Graham is recognized as the father of school social work because he pioneered bringing professional social work into the school setting. He helped establish formal school-based social work in Chicago in the early 20th century and advocated for trained social workers to address students’ barriers to learning tied to family and community issues. This work created a distinct role for school social workers within education, linking welfare services directly to students’ academic success and overall well-being. Jane Addams is associated with the settlement house movement and broader social reform, not the origin of school-based practice. Mary Richmond contributed to the development of social casework and professional methods in welfare, rather than a specific focus on schooling. L. Langston’s work isn’t recognized as the foundational development of school social work.