The first leave provisions limited leave to special circumstances, but currently leave is granted systematically. A weekly weekend leave has been provided for inmates in open institutions, followed by a regime of weekend leave every 4 weeks for inmates in semi-open institutions. Later, a leave scheme was created for inmates in closed institutions who meet certain conditions. Abscondences for leaves from open and semi-open institutions have been at a rate of less than 0.5 percent. Abscondences for leaves from closed institutions measured 6.5 percent of the leaves granted, which compares favorably with other European countries. Although data show no clear profile of inmates who have absconded, they have tended to be younger property offenders. Inmates appreciate the leaves as an opportunity to maintain family and social relationships and break the monotony of institutional life. Prison administrators support the leaves as conducive to a more humane incarceration, the reduction of tension in the prison, and reintegration after release. 8 tables and 5 references.