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Absconding Incidents in DFY (Division for Youth) Residential Programs 1977-1979 Experience

NCJ Number
83278
Date Published
1980
Length
47 pages
Annotation
The report analyzes patterns in absent without leave (AWOL) violations at division facilities during 1977, 1978, and the first 6 months of 1979, with special attention focused on runaways and overstays.
Abstract
Runaways are unauthorized absences occurring directly from a residential placement. Overstays are absences occurring as a result of unauthorized extension of legitimate leaves. AWOL's declined slightly from 1977 to 1978 and much more dramatically from 1978 to 1979. The number of youngsters absconding per 100 youth served remained roughly constant during the 3 time periods. These twin findings (a constant absconder rate and a declining incident rate) reflect more recent programmatic success in preventing the occurrence of multiple absconding incidents by the same youngsters. In 1977, the typical absconding incident lasted for almost 9 days, while in 1979 it had dropped to roughly 4 days. Tables and charts are included. (Author summary modified)