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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Clifford McManus

MSW, DSW Candidate, LSWA

Leveraging Childhood Sexual Abuse Risk Factors Towards a Systems Approach to Prevention

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 4:00 pm
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Abstract

This capstone project introduces a systemic method for preventing and addressing cases of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This initiative is founded on Ecological Theory, Systems Theory, and the Theory of Protective Factors. The research sheds light on the risk factors associated with CSA. Examining these risk factors considers micro, mezzo, and macro contributors to the risks of CSA. The main objective is to create and implement integrated prevention strategies that involve parents, educators, social workers, medical professionals, and other community systems. A fundamental principle of the proposed intervention is to address policy and research gaps. By assessing and understanding the complexities and dynamics of CSA and its wide-ranging and often devastating impacts on survivors, participants will learn to leverage the identified risks through a systems perspective, a multidisciplinary approach, and a strong emphasis on ecological factors to prevent CSA and intervene in its outcomes. Recognizing these gaps will empower participants to consider and contribute to enhancing our society’s efforts to sustain effective intervention outcomes.

Biography

Clifford “Cliff” McManus is a Licensed Social Work Associate in southern Oklahoma. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from East Central University in Ada, OK, where he served as President of ECU’s Phi Alpha (Phi Upsilon) Honor Society. During his senior year at ECU, Cliff was honored as the Social Work Student of the Academic Year for 2021/2022. He earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (UKY CoSW). Having attained the status of a Doctoral Candidate at UKY CoSW, Cliff is finishing his final semester pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW). Working as a behavioral health therapist for a non-profit organization that partners with children and families, Cliff has become inspired to contribute to reducing childhood trauma. This inspiration has directed Cliff’s focus in his academic research and career toward discovering methods to reduce instances of sexual abuse against children. He has expanded his advocacy for children and families beyond his professional role by serving on the Post Adjudication Review Board (PARB) for two counties in Oklahoma. PARB is a collaborative initiative to ensure safety and permanence for youth involved in child welfare. Cliff has been published in The Oklahoman for his letter to the editor concerning childhood trauma and policy reform. Continuing his social work efforts, Cliff aims to publish his research on the ecological and systemic factors contributing to childhood trauma and sexual abuse.