Mari Suonio

Mari Suonio is a Researcher and University Teacher at the University of Eastern Finland's Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. She coordinates national social work studies and leads the VAPAA project, focusing on multi-agency social work for individuals released from prison. Her roles include eLearning coordination (SOSNET) and research in prison studies, criminal justice, and social work with offenders.

Her research interests span social work methodologies, criminology, and the intersection of penal theory with social policy. Key projects include the VAPAA initiative, exploring digital-era support for post-prison reintegration. Her work often addresses systemic challenges, such as client safety in prisons and secularization in social care.

Publications highlight themes like prison reform, domestic violence education, and historical penal thought. Her contributions bridge academic research and practical social work, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practices. She has held visiting researcher roles at Keele University and contributed to international teams, including Fudan University and the University of Ostrava.

Her academic networks include roles in the Social Work Research and Education Team and editorial work for publications like Sosiaalityö ja rikosseuraamusalalla. Current projects aim to develop sustainable models for supporting formerly incarcerated individuals through multi-agency frameworks.