The Children Youth Families Department hopes a new tool will help law enforcement better protect children in New Mexico.

It came about after the beating death of 9-year-old Omaree Varela shocked the state. 

CYFD is training officers from all over the state in how to use a new portal for law enforcement to access CYFD files while responding to calls. 

CYFD Cabinet Secretary Monique Jacobson says the portal was a directive from Gov. Susana Martinez after the murder of 9-year-old Omaree Varela.

He was kicked to death by his mother in December 2013. 

It was a case that highlighted a lack of communication between law enforcement and CYFD.

APD had been called to investigate abuse against the boy several times and there were numerous CYFD referrals.