New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at reforming the state's child welfare system and the way child abuse cases are investigated.
Martinez says the initiatives stem from an extensive review of the Children, Youth and Families Department and the case of a 9-year-old Albuquerque boy who police say was kicked to death by his mother last December.
The governor says she reviewed the case of Omaree Varela and every agency can learn from it.
Authorities say the boy had previously tried to report allegations of abuse. His mother has been arrested in his death.
Martinez will be signing a number of executive orders this week to implement the changes, one of which includes improving communication between social workers and law enforcement officers.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.