The “Soul-Destroying” Release from Prison into the Void: A “Walking Map” Highlighting Some of the Systemic Drivers of the Prison-Homelessness “Swinging Door” in the Republic of Ireland

Paul O’Rourke studied advanced psychosocial training at Cork College of Commerce and planned to continue to study for a youth work degree at University College Cork. He aimed to work with people who have come out of the justice system into homelessness. Based on his own experience, Paul sought to change the way prison and welfare systems are often designed to make people fail. Paul was also a peer researcher on the www.cleanslatecork.com project. He passed away in late-2023.

Katharina Swirak, PhD is Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at University College Cork, Ireland. Katharina’s research interests focus on the role of social policy in reintegration and criminal justice policy, the impact of abolitionist perspectives on reintegration and Criminology, young people, and prison education.

Ute Krenzer is a PhD Researcher and College Excellence Scholar in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at University College Cork, Ireland. Ute’s thesis focuses on how life after punishment is subjectively experienced by persons leaving prison and how this differs across different welfare state contexts.