Swinging Doors: An Autoethnographic Look at the Challenges Faced by Previously Incarcerated People in the USA and Australia

Dr. Lukas Carey completed his doctorate in education and has worked in the field for most of his career as a coach, teacher, trainer and educator. While filling a role in local government, he was charged with, and convicted of, receiving secret commissions and served time in prison. During and since his incarceration, Lukas developed a strong interest in the role that previously incarcerated people have in the development of policy and procedure in the justice system concerned with education and post-release employment. He is a strong advocate for the importance of Convict Criminology and lived experience in shaping the direction of these policies and practices.

Adam Grant came to the understanding during his 27-year incarceration that he had a responsibility to his family, community, and even his past. While still in prison he advanced his education, began facilitating groups and classes for the other men in the facility, and set his feet firmly on the path to redemption that would extend beyond the fences. Currently, Adam works as a Peer Recovery Coach where others directly benefit from his lived experience. He lives his life intentionally, as a conscious example and proponent of the value of those with lived experience. These voices, including his own, are needed for a healthier criminal justice system, on both a macro and micro level. Further, he absolutely believes that the emerging field of Convict Criminology is integral to a more effective and humane criminal justice system going forward.

Scott Tompkins is a returned citizen, ex-con, convicted felon, or experienced human, depending on your point of view. 25 years of teaching in all levels of public schools was not the training he had in mind for the 18 months he spent in Michigan State Prisons for assault. He spent his time inside teaching, and gaining an understanding of the men he was serving time with. Since returning, Scott is active with the Prison Creative Arts Program of the University of Michigan and with American Civil Liberties Union, sharing his lived experiences and facilitating that process for others.