The Kern County Bar Association's Indigent Defense Program (IDP) acts as the alternate defender in Kern County. Through its contract with the County of Kern, the IDP represents adults and juveniles when the Public Defender's office has a conflict or otherwise cannot represent a client. Representation extends to adults and juveniles in both the criminal justice and dependency systems. After the court refers a client to the IDP, the IDP refers the client to an IDP panel member. Panel members are Kern County Bar Association members who are rated on their skill and experience. If you are interested in the program, please contact the IDP Administrator.