The Department of Juvenile Justice may extend the limits of the place of confinement of a person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice so that he may leave such place on authorized absence. Whether or not such person is to be accompanied shall be determined by the chief administrative officer of the institution or facility from which such authorized absence is granted. An authorized absence may be granted for a period of time determined by the Department of Juvenile Justice and any purpose approved by the Department of Juvenile Justice.