NOW OPERATING IN FOUR COURTS IN THE STATE, STAP BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 1975 AND CONTINUED THROUGH AUGUST 1976 FUNDED BY A PILOT PROJECT GRANT FROM THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, AND SINCE SEPTEMBER 1976, HAS OPERATED ON EXPANDED PROGRAM THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATION. ADVOCATES, WHO STAFF THE PROGRAM, MEET WITH MENTALLY RETARDED DEFENDANTS MORE FREQUENTLY THAN WAS THE CASE PRIOR TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROGRAM, AND PARENTS ARE ALSO CONSULTED FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL, FAMILY, AND VOCATIONAL PROBLEMS OF THE CLIENT. WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT IS USED TO CONDUCT AN EVALUATION OF THE CLIENT AND THE ADVOCATE RECOMMENDS TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES APPROACHES FOR DEALING WITH THE CLIENT'S EDUCATIONAL NEEDS. THE ADVOCATE ACTS AS A SUPPORTIVE, ADVISORY, AND HELPING PRESENCE IN THE COURSE OF THE CLIENT'S DEVELOPING OF APPROPRIATE SURVIVAL SKILLS. THE PROGRAM GREW OUT OF THE RECOGNITION THAT MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS ACCUSED AND CONVICTED OF OFFENSES WERE NOT AS EQUIPPED AS OTHER PERSONS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RIGHTS, DEFENSES, AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THEM WITHIN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.