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Readiness Assessment
Begin with a clear look at your current readiness, context, and the choices in front of you.
Palmetto Path · For probation participants
Make the work of change easier to verify.
Palmetto Path turns probation into a documented pathway of change — one built around measurable effort, daily accountability, and a clear record of progress.
A South Carolina pathway
Structured by the Institute. Available across all 46 counties.
Palmetto Path is a program by The Readiness for Change Institute, approved and recognized by the South Carolina Probation, Pardon and Parole Service.
A record of effort
Attendance is not the measure. Sustained effort is.
Probation can be more than a condition to complete. Palmetto Path gives participants a structured way to practice change and document what that work looks like over time.
The process creates a record that probation officers, courts, and employers can review and verify. It does not ask anyone to perform perfection. It asks for consistent, measurable engagement with the next right step.
The three steps give the work a clear order. Assessment establishes the starting point, Education connects reflection to practical tools, and the 21-Day Consecutive Challenge asks participants to complete and record daily tasks in sequence.
Week to week, participants should expect to return to the material, apply one idea to the choices in front of them, and keep the next action visible. Daily accountability is recorded as tasks are completed, so the final record reflects the effort made across the challenge rather than attendance alone.
The three-step process
A pathway you can practice, track, and explain.
Each step builds toward a clearer account of the effort behind your change.
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Education and Training
Use structured learning to understand behavior, build practical tools, and turn insight into responsible action.
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21-Day Consecutive Challenge
Track daily accountability for 21 consecutive days, demonstrating sustained effort toward change.
When you complete the path
Leave with evidence you can carry forward.
Certificate of Completion
A formal record that you completed the Palmetto Path program.
A signed reference letter
A signed letter from founder Dr. Carey Dukes that you can use when speaking with employers.
Documentation of your change process
A formal account of the work you completed that can support an early-release request or an employment conversation. It does not guarantee either outcome.
Who Palmetto Path is for
A program for people currently on probation.
Palmetto Path is specifically for probation participants. It is not a pre-trial program and is not intended for pre-trial defendants.
If your situation involves a legal question, share the program with your attorney or another appropriate professional. The Institute provides education and documentation; participation does not guarantee a court decision, early release, employment, or any other specific outcome.
Questions about Palmetto Path
Clear answers for the path ahead.
Review the program sequence, documentation, and next step before you begin.
What is Palmetto Path?
Palmetto Path is a structured behavioral change program for individuals navigating the justice system, built on the Readiness-Based Justice Intervention model. It is delivered in three steps: Assessment, Education, then the 21-Day Challenge.
Who is Palmetto Path for?
Palmetto Path is for individuals involved with the justice system who need to demonstrate personal growth and accountability. It is also for courts, attorneys, and probation officers looking for a structured, measurable alternative to attendance-based programs.
What are the three steps?
The Assessment establishes a starting point. Education builds understanding of the decisions and habits that drive behavior. The 21-Day Challenge turns that understanding into daily, documented practice.
How is my progress documented?
The program tracks measurable effort day to day rather than attendance alone. Participants can provide completion confirmation and program documentation to their court, probation officer, or attorney for reporting purposes. Acceptance and requirements vary by jurisdiction, so participants should confirm what their specific court or officer requires.
Can I complete it online, at my own pace?
Yes. Palmetto Path is completed online and organized around daily accountability rather than fixed class times, so it can fit around work and other obligations.
What do I receive on completion?
On completion, participants receive a completion certificate, a signed reference letter, and program documentation.
How do I get started?
Start with step one, the Assessment. Review the Palmetto Path option in the store or visit the Contact page to ask about your next step.
Questions are welcome
Start with the details of your situation.
Reach the Institute at Info@therci.net or 770-355-3212.