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Alumnus, juvenile justice leader, and former member of the Board of Advisors leaves an impressive legacy of work in direct services, policy and planning, research, and administration.
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) mourns the passing of Richard William Friedman, a graduate of the Class of 1967 and former member of the school’s Board of Advisors.
Friedman, a resident of Baltimore, died March 8 of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 84.
“For decades, Richard W. Friedman dedicated his work to the criminal and juvenile justice systems, leaving behind a formidable legacy in public service and as a leading advocate for the School of Social Work,” said UMSSW Dean Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW. “The University of Maryland School of Social Work extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Friedman’s family and friends. His presence will be greatly missed within the UMSSW community and across the field of social work.”
After his graduation from UMSSW in 1967, Friedman embarked on a remarkable career that began as a probation officer in the Juvenile Court for Baltimore City. His professional journey encompassed direct services, policy and planning, research, and administration, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within the justice system.
In 1979, he was named Social Worker of the Year by the UMSSW Alumni Association. In 2009, he became the first recipient of the school’s Emeritus Award. And in 2019, UMSSW awarded him the Dean’s Medal. His tireless work resulted in juvenile justice work being incorporated back into social work training in courses, field placements, and grants from the state of Maryland and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Friedman held significant leadership roles in Baltimore government and Maryland government during his career, serving as executive director of the Mayor’s Coordinating Council on Criminal Justice and executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.
For more than seven years, he served as Maryland’s Juvenile Justice Specialist, administering the federal program under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Notably, as past chair of the State Policy Group on Juvenile Justice and Mental Health, Friedman was a dedicated advocate for developing appropriate responses to the mental health needs of youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
As president of RWF Consulting, Inc., he maintained his commitment to juvenile justice and child welfare. He also contributed his expertise to prominent organizations such as the American Bar Association, American Correctional Association, and National Council on Crime and Delinquency.
The National Association of Social Workers recognized Friedman as one of its Social Work Pioneers, noting that he “demonstrated the qualities of a true pioneer in his concern for children and the relationships he developed with mayors, governors, judges, legislators, police, social service agencies, and educational institutions. He made a difference as a social work leader.”
Friedman is survived by his wife of 54 years, the Hon. Kathleen O’Ferrall Friedman; daughters Kathy Lynn Byman and Beth Elaine Wyman; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his brother, Ralph Friedman (Debbie Milne); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Theodore W. Friedman and Amelia Friedman (nee Goldberg) of Silver Spring, Md.
Richard Friedman’s lifelong dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable youth and his extraordinary career inspired and supported the careers of many UMSSW students and alumni.
In 2012, he generously established the University of Maryland School of Social Work Richard W. Friedman Scholarship Endowment in Juvenile Justice and Criminal Justice. This fund provides enduring support for scholarships for students enrolled at UMSSW who plan to pursue or further their career interests in juvenile justice or criminal justice.
His contributions to the field and his deep connection to UMSSW will be fondly remembered.