In what circumstance is a stepmother allowed to initiate therapy for her stepchild?

• A. Only if the biological father disagrees
• B. If she has undergone counseling training
• C. If the minor is living with her full-time
• D. If she has legally adopted the minor child

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is that a stepmother is allowed to initiate therapy for her stepchild if she has legally adopted the minor child. This is because legal adoption grants the adoptive parent the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. In this case, the adoptive stepmother would have the legal authority to make decisions regarding the child's welfare, including mental health treatment.

In contrast, without legal adoption, a stepmother typically does not have the same authority to make such decisions for her stepchild, as she may not be considered a legal guardian. This limitation emphasizes the importance of a legal relationship, which is established through adoption, in matters concerning a child's mental health care and therapy initiation.

The other options propose conditions that do not grant the stepmother the necessary legal authority to initiate therapy independently. For instance, the disagreement of the biological father or having undergone counseling training does not alter her legal standing in relation to the child's healthcare decisions. Additionally, living with the child full-time does not confer any legal rights unless it is coupled with adoption, which is crucial for the ability to make such decisions.