Helping children who are exposed to violence requires the work of parents to create a safe environment, to hear their children's story of exposure, and to help the children reestablish and continue their development of healthy life patterns. When child therapists can integrate the debriefing with a family-based approach, the child's sense of security and empathic connection with parents can be enhanced. In many instances, however, associated treatment for the parent is required to facilitate the best responses from parents to their child, as well as the best outcome for the child. The therapist must be prepared to identify the red flags that suggest when a family-based debriefing should not begin, should not continue, or requires further parent support and intervention to be successful.