ISP 2/2
ISP Part 2: Turning Your Supervision Plan into a Life Plan
In Part 1, we talked about what an Individualized Supervision Plan (ISP) is and why your probation officer asks you to fill it out.
This time, we’re going deeper.
An ISP isn’t just “paperwork for probation.” It can also be a foundation for your life goals and for who you want to become after supervision ends.
This post is about you, not just your case.
What is a “goal,” really?
People use different words:
- Goals
- Dreams
- Plans
- Standards
- Bucket list
The word doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’re talking about the same thing:
Examples:
- “Get my driver’s license back within 6 months.”
- “Save $300 in an emergency fund in 3 months.”
- “Finish my GED by this time next year.”
A goal is more than a wish:
- A wish: “I want my life to be better.”
- A goal: “I will apply for two jobs every week for the next 3 months.”
Your ISP gives you a place to write those goals down. That page is not for your probation officer. It’s for you.
“I’ll just write something so my PO gets off my back”
This is honest. A lot of people think this.
The ISP form comes out, the officer says:
“Write three goals…”
And you might think:
“Fine. I’ll just put anything so they’re happy.”
The risk with that is:
- You waste the space on that paper.
- You miss a chance to plan the person you want to be.
- You send yourself the message: “My goals don’t really matter.”
Remember: you won’t get a violation for not hitting a personal goal you wrote on your ISP. But you will miss out on the chance to build a new version of yourself, step by step.
How goals connect to self-esteem
Self-esteem isn’t only about “loving yourself.” It’s also about trusting yourself.
- When you say, “I’m going to do this,” and you actually move toward it, you start to believe your own word.
- When you never set goals, or you set fake ones, your brain learns: “What I write doesn’t matter. I don’t follow it anyway.”
Even small goals can slowly rebuild self-respect:
- “I will keep all my appointments this month.”
- “I will stay sober for 7 days and then reassess.”
- “I will walk 10 minutes a day for 30 days.”
Every time you keep a promise to yourself, even a small one, you build a tiny brick of:
That feeling is worth more than any box you check for probation.
Short-term goals: 3, 6, and 12 months
You don’t have to plan your entire life on one ISP form. Start with short-term goals:
3-month goals (very short term) – things you can realistically move on right now:
- Apply for a certain number of jobs.
- Start one support group or counseling program.
- Get your documents together (ID, Social Security card, etc.).
6-month goals (medium term) – things that take more time but are still close:
- Be consistently working or in training.
- Pay down a specific amount on fines or restitution.
- Complete a required class (DUI school, anger management, parenting).
12-month goals (one year) – a bigger picture:
- Finish a certificate or GED.
- Move into more stable housing.
- Save up a set amount of money.
You don’t have to fill the page with 10 items. Even 1–3 real, honest goals are more powerful than 20 “fake” ones.
When life feels dark or impossible
Sometimes the present is rough:
- Court dates.
- Family stress.
- Money problems.
- Old habits pulling hard.
In those moments, goal-setting can feel like lying to yourself.
Here’s the key:
Think of it like building a wall one brick at a time:
- One call to a treatment center.
- One appointment you keep.
- One shift you show up for.
- One day you stay away from old people/places/things.
Even if your reality today is messy or painful, your goals can be the new picture you’re slowly painting of yourself:
- From “I always mess up” to “I’m learning to keep my word to myself.”
- From “I’ll never get out of this” to “Every small step is building my exit.”
You don’t need anyone’s permission to imagine better for yourself.
Your ISP as a foundation for re-entry, not just supervision
Your ISP can be more than “terms of supervision.” It can become your starter life plan:
- Housing: Where do I want to be living 6–12 months from now?
- Work / School: What kind of work or training fits the life I want?
- Health & sobriety: What supports do I need in place before probation ends?
- Money: What small financial habits can I start now (even with low income)?
- Relationships: Who is safe and supportive for the person I’m becoming?
You might be on paper for a year, two years, or more. Your life will hopefully go on long after that.
So when you fill in your ISP goals, remember:
- They’re your goals, not your officer’s.
- Nobody can violate you for not hitting your personal goals.
- But you are the one who wins if you reach them—or even if you get halfway.
A simple way to write your 1–3 ISP goals
Use this structure:
Examples:
- “In the next 3 months, I will attend all DUI classes and bring proof to my officer so that I can get my license back and drive legally.”
- “In the next 6 months, I will keep steady work (or training) so that I can support myself and be less stressed about money.”
- “Within 12 months, I will finish my GED so that I can qualify for better jobs after probation.”
Clear. Honest. Yours.
Goal & Study Tools to Support Your ISP
These are optional tools some people use to stay organized and work toward their 3-, 6-, and 12-month goals. They are not required by OACRA, the court, or your officer.
90-Day Undated Planner & Habit Tracker
A compact A5 planner with daily and weekly pages, goal-setting sections, and a built-in habit tracker. Great if you want one place to track appointments, ISP goals, and small daily wins.
Use it to break your 3-month goals into simple daily actions.
GED Total Test Prep – Complete Study Guide
A full GED study guide with step-by-step explanations and practice questions. Helpful if one of your 6- or 12-month goals is finishing your GED as part of your re-entry plan.
GED progress can also support better job options after supervision.
ASVAB Study Guide & Practice Tests
Includes 30 practice tests and digital flashcards. If you’re exploring military service after re-entry, this can help you prepare for the ASVAB and see where you stand.
Always confirm eligibility and legal requirements with a recruiter.
CSCS Exam Prep (NSCA Certification)
Practice tests and a study guide for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam. For people considering fitness and coaching as a long-term career path.
Check licensing and background rules in your state before pursuing any certification.
CDL Exam Prep – Truck & Bus Driver Tests
A complete prep book for the 2025–2026 CDL exams. Useful if you’re exploring commercial driving as a career goal once your record and driving status allow it.
Always verify eligibility, endorsements, and any restrictions with your DMV and officer.
Nail Technician Exam Success – Vocabulary & Prep
A focused guide on key vocabulary and concepts for nail tech courses and exams. Fits well for people aiming at cosmetology or nail technician work as part of their long-term re-entry plan.
Licensing rules for cosmetology and nail techs vary by state—always check local regulations.
As an Amazon Associate, OACRA earns from qualifying purchases. These products are optional tools and do not guarantee exam results, employment, or early termination. Always follow court orders, licensing rules, and the guidance of your supervising officer, attorney, and treatment providers.
