The study describes the basic flow of cases in the juvenile justice system as it affects the majority of delinquent referrals. Special attention is given to a description and analyses of key system components and the process used to distinguish that portion of delinquent referrals that leave the juvenile justice system and penetrate the adult system. The impact of this process on case dispositions is also examined. A total of 6 months in calendar years 1978 and 1979 and time frames within this period are considered; this period is significant since it includes the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act. The research consisted of an analysis of intake data, a survey of court records, and an analysis of Department of Corrections data. Findings indicate that the processing of certain types of juvenile cases in the adult criminal justice system is functioning as intended by Florida law. The cases processed in the adult system involved juveniles who, for the most part, have had a history of involvement with the juvenile justice system and were charged with a serious offense. The fact that the majority of youths processed in the adult system were 16 and 17 years of age reflects the law's emphasis on the adult processing of those youth having physical and social maturation. Moreover, the direct file option for juvenile processing did not cause a dramatic increase in the number of youths processed in the adult system; the increase in 1978/79 admissions and the prison population may have been caused by tougher community attitudes toward serious juvenile offenders, which are reflected in court dispositions. Tabular data, footnotes, endnotes, and a flow chart are provided.