A method for operating a transmitting device includes receiving a first packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocol data unit (PDU) associated with a first remote device (RD), the first PDCP PDU including at least a first PDCP header, generating a first nested PDCP PDU in accordance with the first PDCP PDU, the first nested PDCP PDU including a second PDCP header and the first PDCP PDU, the second PDCP header comprising a first PDU type indicator indicating that the first nested PDCP PDU includes a first relayed PDCP PDU and a first identifier associated with the first RD, and sending the first nested PDCP PDU on a radio bearer.