Identifying Drivers of Absconding for Those on Community Supervision

• In Event: Rehabilitation, Reentry Challenges, and Community-Based Programs

Abstract

While research on community supervision is plentiful, studies that focus on absconding from supervision are rare. In partnership with the Montana Departments of Corrections and community-based organizations in Florida, through analysis of quantitative data, review of supervision case files, and interviews with individuals currently and formerly on supervision, the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI) has sought to ascertain the characteristics of those who abscond and the reasons for absconding behavior, as well as identifying the reasons individuals may face difficulty in reporting to supervision (which may subsequently result in absconding) and barriers that may prevent them from successfully completing supervision. CJI has compiled these findings in a report, identifying overall thematic links in the quantitative and qualitative findings and using them to suggest implementation opportunities for agencies to reduce absconding behavior and improve supervision outcomes.

Author

• Maja Vlajnic, Crime and Justice Institute