Anita trained as a social worker in the UK and worked in criminal justice, notably probation.
She completed her PhD at the University of Bristol and after postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford she moved to Otago in 1999.
She has taught numerous social work, sociology and criminology courses since with a particular interest in teaching in the area of families. Her research studies have included electronic monitoring, mental health, adoption, transcultural parenting, defining social work research, making social work accessible to sociologists, auto-ethnography, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and its impact on families, and the scholarship of publication.
Anita is a registered social worker and facilitates a parent support group for families where FASD is an issue.
Transitions from hospital to community with a regional forensic service
Suzi Wereta (PhD)
Exploration of youth suicide among Māori
Harriet Toa (Honours)
Parental capacity of parents with intellectual disability
Angela Jackson (Honours)
Achieving permanence through Home for Life
Amanda Kennedy (Honours)
Promising Interventions for Mothers and Children with Maternal Problematic Substance Misuse
Publications
Gibbs, A., Flanagan, J., & Gray, L. (2023). An Australian online training and support program for caregivers of children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Families linking with families. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 2271757. Advance online publication. doi: 10.3109/13668250.2023.2271757
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2023). Living in the fire: The impacts of child and adolescent to parent violence and abuse on caregivers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum. Drug & Alcohol Review, 42(Suppl. 1), 64. doi: 10.1111/dar.13749
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Milne, K., Henderson, L., Gibbs, A., Johnston, T., & Chu, J. T. W. (2023, October). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: What is needed to enable tertiary students to achieve. Workshop presentation at the Neuroability Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Gibbs, A. (2023, October). Expanding knowledge and awareness of neurodiversity for health, welfare and justice professionals and tertiary learners. Verbal presentation at the Neuroability Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Gibbs, A. (2023, August). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: The lived reality and ways in which professionals and helpers can make a positive difference. Whāraurau National Training Day: Neurodiversity, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://wharaurau.org.nz/
Other Research Output
Gibbs, A., & Gilmour, F. E. (Eds.). (2022). Women, crime and justice in context: Contemporary perspectives in feminist criminology from Australia and New Zealand. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 296p. doi: 10.4324/9780429316975
Edited Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2022). Punishment in the community: Community sentences and gender. In A. Gibbs & F. E. Gilmour (Eds.), Women, crime and justice in context: Contemporary perspectives in feminist criminology from Australia and New Zealand. (pp. 134-149). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429316975
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2022). Women and girls with neurodisabilities and mental health issues in the criminal justice system. In A. Gibbs & F. E. Gilmour (Eds.), Women, crime and justice in context: Contemporary perspectives in feminist criminology from Australia and New Zealand. (pp. 194-209). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429316975
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A., & Gilmour, F. E. (2022). Conclusions. In A. Gibbs & F. E. Gilmour (Eds.), Women, crime and justice in context: Contemporary perspectives in feminist criminology from Australia and New Zealand. (pp. 253-259). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429316975
Chapter in Book - Research
Gilmour, F. E., & Gibbs, A. (2022). Introduction. In A. Gibbs & F. E. Gilmour (Eds.), Women, crime and justice in context: Contemporary perspectives in feminist criminology from Australia and New Zealand. (pp. 1-12). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429316975
Chapter in Book - Research
Good, G. A., Gibbs, A., & Hollis English, A. (2022). Older, professional mothers: Identity and disability. In S. Mitchell & O. Sanmiguel-Valderrama (Eds.), Where did I go? Reflections on so-called late mothering. (pp. 53-63). Coe Hill, Canada: Demeter Press. doi: 10.2307/j.ctv2wr4wk1.7
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2022). We are not doing enough for children with neuro-disabilities. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 34(2), 90-93. [Commentary].
Journal - Research Other
Harrington, S., & Gibbs, A. (2022). Evidence-based online training and support courses for caregivers of youth with FASD. Proceedings of the 6th European Conference on FASD (EUFASD). (pp. 93-94). Retrieved from https://www.eufasd.org
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Gibbs, A. (2021). Community sentences: Expanding a system of control and surveillance? In E. Stanley, T. Bradley & S. Monod de Froideville (Eds.), The Aotearoa handbook of criminology. (pp. 225-237). Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2021). Focus groups and group interviews. In R. Coe, M. Waring, L. V. Hedges & L. D. Ashley (Eds.), Research methods and methodologies in education. (3rd ed.) (pp. 240-247). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2021). Neuro-disabilities and criminal justice: Time for a radical rethink. In E. Stanley, T. Bradley & S. Monod de Froideville (Eds.), The Aotearoa handbook of criminology. (pp. 358-369). Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Smith, R. G., & Gibbs, A. (2021). 호주와 뉴질랜드의 전자감독제도: 전자 망(electronic net)의 확대 [Extending the electronic net in Australia and New Zealand: Developments in electronic monitoring down-under]. In M. Nellis, K. Beyens & D. Kaminski (Eds.), 비교 전자감독 제도론 [Electronically monitored punishment]. (pp. 161-196). Seoul, South Korea: Parkyoung Publishing.
Chapter in Book - Other
Gibbs, A., & Flanagan, J. (2021). Evidence-based online training and support courses for caregivers of youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Drug & Alcohol Review, 40(Suppl. 1), (pp. S73). doi: 10.1111/dar.13384
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Gibbs, A., Bagley, K., Badry, D., & Gollner, V. (2020). Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Effective helping responses from social workers. International Social Work, 63(4), 496-509. doi: 10.1177/0020872818804032
Journal - Research Article
Oatley, V., & Gibbs, A. (2020). Improving treatment and outcomes for young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the youth justice system: A social work led response and practice framework. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 32(2), 5-16.
Journal - Research Other
Gibbs, A. (2020). Think of those who can't be together for Christmas. Otago Daily Times, (24 December), 14. [Letter].
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Gibbs, A. (2019). An evidence-based training and support course for caregivers of children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in New Zealand. Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 12(1/2), 73-84. doi: 10.1108/ADD-10-2018-0013
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2018). Ethical issues when undertaking autoethnographic research with families. In R. Iphofen & M. Tolich (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of qualitative research ethics. (pp. 148-160). London, UK: SAGE.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2018). If only Teina Pora had a MedicAlert bracelet. New Zealand Medical Journal, 131(1473), 85-87. Retrieved from https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal
Journal - Research Other
Gibbs, A. (2018). Helping adopted and foster children develop positive cultural and racial identities in their forever families. Inter-Country Adoption New Zealand, (54), 8-12.
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Gibbs, A. (2017). Focus groups and group interviews. In R. Coe, M. Waring, L. V. Hedges & J. Arthur (Eds.), Research methodologies & methodologies in education. (2nd ed.) (pp. 190-196). London, UK: SAGE.
Chapter in Book - Other
Gibbs, A. (2017). Beyond colour-blindness: Enhancing cultural and racial identity for adopted and fostered children in cross-cultural and transracial families. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 29(4), 74-83.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & Sherwood, K. (2017). Putting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on the map in New Zealand: A review of health, social, political, justice and cultural developments. Psychiatry, Psychology & Law, 24(6), 825-842. doi: 10.1080/13218719.2017.1315784
Journal - Research Article
Good, G. A., Hollis-English, A., Attwell, A., Dickson, A., Gibbs, A., Gordon, J., & Taylor, J. M. T. (2017). Social-model mothers: Disability, advocacy, and activism. Counterfutures, (4), 107-135. Retrieved from http://counterfutures.nz
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2017). Living with FASD: An autoethnographic photovoice from New Zealand. Proceedings of the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Conference. E.10. Retrieved from http://fasd.alberta.ca/alberta-fasd-conference.aspx
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Gibbs, A. (2016). Improving publication: Advice for busy higher education academics. International Journal for Academic Development, 21(3), 255-258. doi: 10.1080/1360144X.2015.1128436
Journal - Research Article
Jackson, A., & Gibbs, A. (2016). New Zealand's Home for Life policy: Telling children they matter but only for three years. International Journal of Law, Policy & the Family, 30(3), 322-337. doi: 10.1093/lawfam/ebw007
Journal - Research Article
van Heugten, K., & Gibbs, A. (Eds.). (2015). Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 193p.
Edited Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2015). Analyzing and solving social problems. In K. van Heugten & A. Gibbs (Eds.), Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice. (pp. 121-140). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2015). Parenting adopted children from other cultures and supporting adoptive parents to meet the needs of adopted children. In N. V. Roman (Ed.), Parenting: Behaviors, cultural influences and impact on childhood health and well-being. (pp. 99-122). New York: Nova Science.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A., & van Heugten, K. (2015). Conclusion. In K. van Heugten & A. Gibbs (Eds.), Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice. (pp. 171). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A., & van Heugten, K. (2015). Key social work frameworks for sociologists. In K. van Heugten & A. Gibbs (Eds.), Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice. (pp. 27-46). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapter in Book - Research
van Heugten, K., & Gibbs, A. (2015). Introduction. In K. van Heugten & A. Gibbs (Eds.), Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice. (pp. 1). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapter in Book - Research
van Heugten, K., & Gibbs, A. (2015). Key values, ethics, and skills for working with people. In K. van Heugten & A. Gibbs (Eds.), Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice. (pp. 47). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapter in Book - Research
van Heugten, K., & Gibbs, A. (2015). Overview of the historical and contextual development of sociology and social work. In K. van Heugten & A. Gibbs (Eds.), Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice. (pp. 9-26). New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapter in Book - Research
Haenga-Collins, M., & Gibbs, A. (2015). 'Walking between worlds': The experiences of New Zealand Māori cross-cultural adoptees. Adoption & Fostering, 39(1), 62-75. doi: 10.1177/0308575914565082
Journal - Research Article
Gilling, A. (2014). Jasper's story: 'Letting me down and picking me up' – one boy's story of despair and hope at primary schools in England. Adoption & Fostering, 38(1), 60-72. doi: 10.1177/0308575913518001
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2013). The needs of adopted and fostered children. In N. Higgins & C. Freeman (Eds.), Childhoods: Growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 167-179). Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Smith, R. G., & Gibbs, A. (2013). Extending the electronic net in Australia and New Zealand: Developments in electronic monitoring down-under. In M. Nellis, R. Bas, K. Beyens & D. Kaminski (Eds.), Electronically monitored punishment: International and critical perspectives. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2013). The power of one: Why auto-ethnography, solo service-user voice and reflective case study analysis are useful strategies for researching family-centred social work practice. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 25(4), 15-24.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2013). What would a scholarship of publication look like? Higher Education Research & Development, 32(4), 687-689. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2013.803310
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & Scherman, R. (2013). Pathways to parenting in New Zealand: issues in law, policy and practice. Kōtuitui, 8(1-2), 13-26. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2013.821077
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & Stirling, B. (2013). ‘It’s about people and their environment’: Student social workers’ definitions of social work research. Social Work Education, 32(3), 317-330. doi: 10.1080/02615479.2012.658365
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2012). Focus groups and group interviews. In J. Arthur, M. Waring, R. Coe & L. V. Hedges (Eds.), Research methods & methodologies in education. (pp. 186-192). London, UK: SAGE.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2012). What do social work students think social work research is? Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 24(2), 19-26.
Journal - Research Article
Johnstone, J., & Gibbs, A. (2012). 'Love them to bits; spend time with them; have fun with them': New Zealand parents' views of building attachments with their newly adopted Russian children. Journal of Social Work, 12(3), 225-245. doi: 10.1177/1468017310381289
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2011). Going to the courts twice: A critical appraisal of the UK's policy of re-adoption for intercountry adoptions. Children & Society, 25(6), 482-488. doi: 10.1111/j.1099-0860.2011.00391.x
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2011). ‘Having to adopt children twice is not in the children's best interests’: A reflective case study analysis of intercountry adoption policy in the UK. Journal of Social Welfare & Family Law, 33(3), 267-277. doi: 10.1080/09649069.2011.626247
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2010). Coping with compulsion: Women's views of being on a community treatment order. Australian Social Work, 63(2), 223-233. doi: 10.1080/03124070903265740
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2010). Parenting adopted children and supporting adoptive parents: Messages from research. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 22(2), 44-52.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & Stirling, B. (2010). Reflections on designing and teaching a social work research course for distance and on-campus students. Social Work Education, 29(4), 441-449. doi: 10.1080/02615470902995552
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., McKenzie, M., & Dempster, C. (2007). 'It's a bonus, without it I wouldn't even have a visit': Parents' views of supervised contact centres in New Zealand. Practice, 19(4), 285-297.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., Dawson, J., & Mullen, R. (2006). Community treatment orders for people with serious mental illness: A New Zealand study. British Journal of Social Work, 36, 1085-1100. doi: 10.1093/bjsw/bch392
Journal - Research Article
Mullen, R., Dawson, J., & Gibbs, A. (2006). Dilemmas for clinicians in use of Community Treatment Orders. International Journal of Law & Psychiatry, 29, 535-550. doi: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2006.09.002
Journal - Research Article
Mullen, R., Gibbs, A., & Dawson, J. (2006). Family perspective on community treatment orders: A New Zealand study. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 52(5), 469-478. doi: 10.1177/0020764006066836
Journal - Research Article
Walker, S., Eketone, A., & Gibbs, A. (2006). An exploration of kaupapa Maori research, its principles, processes and applications. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 9(4), 331-344.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2005). The paradigms, contexts and enduring conflicts of social work research. In Advances in sociology research, Volume 2. (pp. 135-164). New York: Nova Science.
Chapter in Book - Research
Dawson, J., Romans, S., Gibbs, A., & Ratter, N. (2005). Ambivalence about community treatment orders (Reprinted from International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 26, pp. 243-255). In J. Peay (Ed.), Seminal issues in mental health law. (pp. 409-421). Aldershot, England: Ashgate.
Chapter in Book - Other
Cunningham, P., & Gibbs, A. (2005). At the margins: Victim contact work in the New Zealand probation service. British Journal of Community Justice, 3(2, Victims of Crime), 51-62.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., Dawson, J., Ansley, C., & Mullen, R. (2005). How patients in New Zealand view community treatment orders. Journal of Mental Health, 14(4), 357-368. doi: 10.1080/09638230500229541
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2004). A letter from New Zealand: Home detention - emerging issues after the first three years. Crime Prevention & Community Safety, 6(3), 57-64.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., Dawson, J., Forsyth, H., Mullen, R., & Te Oranga Tonu Tanga (Maori Mental Health Team). (2004). Maori experience of community treatment orders in Otago, New Zealand. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 38(10), 830-835. doi: 10.1080/j.1440-1614.2004.01468.x
Journal - Research Article
Romans, S., Dawson, J., Mullen, R., & Gibbs, A. (2004). How mental health clinicians view community treatment orders: A national New Zealand survey. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 38(10), 836-841. doi: 10.1080/j.1440-1614.2004.01470.x
Journal - Research Article
Dawson, J. B., Romans, S., Gibbs, A., & Ratter, N. (2003). Ambivalence about community treatment orders. International Journal of Law & Psychiatry, 26, 243-255. doi: 10.1016/S0160-2527(03)00035-9
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & King, D. (2003). Home detention with electronic monitoring: The New Zealand experience. Criminal Justice, 3(2), 199-211.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & King, D. (2003). The electronic ball and chain? The operation and impact of home detention with electronic monitoring in New Zealand. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 36(1), 1-17.
Journal - Research Article
King, D., & Gibbs, A. (2003). Is home detention in New Zealand disadvantaging women and children? Probation Journal, 50(2), 115-126.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & King, D. (2002). Alternatives to custody in the New Zealand criminal justice system. Social Policy & Administration, 36(4), 392-407.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & King, D. (2002). Home detention with electronic monitoring in New Zealand and its implications for probation. Vista, 7(2), 100-110.
Journal - Research Article
King, D., & Gibbs, A. (2002). Women who offend: Their experiences explored. Practice, 14(4), 53-64.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2002). [Review of the book Crime, State and Citizen]. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 35. [Book Review].
Journal - Research Other
Gibbs, A., & King, D. (2001). The electronic ball and chain? The development, operation and impact of home detention in New Zealand. Dunedin: Community and Family Studies, University of Otago, 122p.
Authored Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2001). Partnerships between the Probation Service and the Voluntary Sector Organizations. British Journal of Social Work, 31, 15-27.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2001). Social work and empowerment-based research: possibilities, process and questions. Australian Social Work, 54(1), 29-40.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2001). The changing nature and context of social work research. British Journal of Social Work, 1(5), 687-704.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & King, D. (2001). Is probation work social work? Social Work Review, 13(2), 13-16.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2000). Action research. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Social Work. (pp. 2). Oxford: Blackwell.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2000). New managerialism. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Social Work. (pp. 229-231). Oxford: Blackwell.
Chapter in Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (2000). Community probation in New Zealand/Aotearoa. Vista, 6(1), 21-32.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2000). Practitioner evaluation. Social Work Review, 12(2), 29-32.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (2000). Probation service users: To empower or to exclude? Criminal Justice Matters, (39), 16-17.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & Beal, R. (2000). Straight thinking in New Zealand/Aotearoa. Probation Journal, (4), 250-255.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1999). Collaboration between researchers and practitioners: it can work. Vista, 4(3), 201-212.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1999). Effective inter-agency partnerships. Social Work Review, 11(2), 15-17.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1999). Practitioner assessments in the probation service: action research on a local, regional and national basis. Educational Action Research, 7(3), 375-384.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1999). The assessment, case-management and evaluation system. Probation Journal, 46(3), 182-196.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1999). The forgotten voice: Probation service users and partnerships. Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, 38(3), 283-299. doi: 10.1111/1468-2311.00133
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A., & Ackerman, N. (1999). Deaf prisoners: needs, services and training issues. Prison Service Journal, (122), 32-33.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1999). Putting relationships first: effective inter-agency partnerships. Relational Justice Bulletin, 4-5.
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Gibbs, A. (1998). Probation Partnerships: A Study of Roles, Relationships and Meanings. Probation Studies Unit, 7th Report. Oxford: Probation Studies Unit, 70p.
Authored Book - Research
Gibbs, A. (1998). So, Centralisation Improves Service Delivery? Probation Journal, 3, 160-161.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1997). Focus Group Research. Social Research Update, 1-125. University of Surrey, Dept of Sociology.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1997). Gendered Partnerships. Vista, 98-108.
Journal - Research Article
Gibbs, A. (1996). Probation service users as volunteers in partnership projects. Probation Journal, 43(3), 142-146.
Journal - Research Article
