IN THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1978, SOME 14,107 TEMPORARY ABSENCES WERE GRANTED AND 186 WERE REVOKED. IN 1978-1979 THERE WERE 14,901 GRANTED AND AGAIN, 186 REVOKED. MEN AND WOMEN WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE PROGRAM EARNED NEARLY $687,000 DURING 1978-1979, OF WHICH ABOUT $165,000 WENT TO SUPPORT INMATE FAMILIES. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED WITH 32 COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTERS. UNLIKE PROBATION OR PAROLE, TEMPORARY ABSENCE IS A MEASURE FOR GRADUAL RELEASE, USUALLY ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS, FOR HUMANITARIAN, REHABILITATIVE, EDUCATIONAL, EMPLOYMENT, OR MEDICAL PROGRAMS. ABSENCES CAN BE GRANTED FOR 1-5 DAYS OR FOR LONGER PERIODS WITH POLICE OR PROBATION OR PAROLE SUPERVISION. THE ENABLING LEGISLATION IS SUMMARIZED, AS IS THE PROGRAM'S ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE. SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1967, THE PROGRAM HAS RELIED ON THE JUDGEMENTS OF THE LOCAL CORRECTIONAL SUPERINTENDENT AND A COMMUNITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO WORK OUT DETAILS FOR LOCAL PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. IT IS THIS LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY WHICH IS CREDITED WITH THE PLAN'S SUCCESS. SUMMARY STATISTICS PRESENT PROGRAM COSTS AND NUMBERS OF INMATES SERVED. (GLR)