The variability in juvenile justice systems can be seen as an advantage rather than a disadvantage if the contingency model is applied. Under the contingency model of administration, supervison from above would provide help and advice on different policies and procedures while encouraging local systems to take advantage of their unique resources and knowledge. The auditor model, on the other hand, emphasizes uniformity of procedure, aiming to eliminate diversity among local juvenile justice systems. Not only does the variability among juvenile justice systems make a contingency model of administration more effective, the same diversity makes it more important to take advantage of local talent in interpreting the dynamics of juvenile processing. Juvenile justice research might profitably focus on characteristics of systems rather than characteristics of individuals involved in those systems. France's juvenile justice system is examined to show diversity in screening and in the interaction between structure and communication. The link between variability and the contingency model is illustrated in the juvenile justice system of Vancouver, British Columbia. One table, figures, a note, and 14 references are listed.