The first of the Wen:De reports aimed to inform the development of an equitable federal funding model for First Nations Child and Family Services. It found that the primary reason why First Nations children come to the attention of the child welfare system is neglect. Researchers unpacked the definition of neglect and found that substance misuse, poverty and poor housing were all a combination of risk factors. The report found that the over representation of First Nations children in the child welfare system is a result of the structural risk factors (poverty, poor housing and substance misuse) not being adequately addressed through the funding of least disruptive measures in First Nations communities. The federal government inadequately funded least disruptive measures intended to keep First Nations children who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing child maltreatment safely at home.

The report also found that jurisdictional disputes continue to have significant impacts on the lived experiences of First Nations children - particularly those with complex needs. The most frequent types of disputes were between federal government departments, between two provincial departments and between federal and provincial departments. The report found that the governments' primary concern has been who is assuming the costs as opposed to the safety and wellbeing of children affected in jurisdictional disputes. As a result, the report recommended that a child first approach to resolving jurisdictional disputes be called Jordan's Principle and be implemented without delay.