Inaugural Professorial Lecture – Professor Anita Gibbs

The criminalisation of children and youth with neuro disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand
About Professor Anita Gibbs’s research
Anita's research explores the impacts on people of their involvement with complex social systems: mental health, criminal justice, adoption/fostering and disability, as well as the impacts of living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on families and individuals.

Anita's research on FASD has seen the development of evidence-based online caregiving interventions, which she also delivers in Australia and New Zealand. In 2020, she was awarded the Critic and Conscience of Society Award funded by the GAMA foundation in conjunction with Universities New Zealand, for her work on FASD to raise awareness of FASD as a lifelong, yet often hidden disability.

Anita leads and supports an extensive range of FASD research and practice initiatives throughout New Zealand, through work with and alongside the ministries of health, children, and education, and Corrections and NGOs.

Anita maintains her practice as a social worker through continuing education workshops and talks. Anita's publications include over 160 co-edited books, book chapters, articles and other research outputs.