Male participants were more likely to abscond than female participants. Blacks represented 51 percent of the absconder group and 40 percent of the comparison group, whereas whites accounted for 19 percent of the absconder group and 31 percent of the comparison group. Absconders were about 2 years younger than comparison group members. The proportion of absconders who abused alcohol prior to incarceration decreased from 42 percent in 1984 to 27 percent in 1987. Drug abuse prior to incarceration in the absconder group increased from 61 percent in 1984 to 72 percent in 1987. Absconders were more likely than comparison group members to have been committed for robbery and burglary offenses than for violent personal crimes or drug offenses. The number of persons in the absconder group who were committed for drug offenses, however, rose from 18 percent in 1984 to 33 percent in 1987. About half of the absconders returned to custody voluntarily, the Temporary Release Program's work release component had the greatest percentage of absconders, and a slight seasonal trend in absconding was observed. The percentage of persons who absconded during the first 3 months of program participation rose from 62 percent in 1984 to 72 percent in 1987, and the proportion of persons who absconded prior to their initial parole hearing increased from 41 to 62 percent. 17 tables.