Richmond, Va. (RNS)—The Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board has requested that participants in its short-term mission trips pass background checks before leaving for the field.

The new child protection policy, which is not mandatory and would not apply to mission trips taken independently of the IMB, was approved at a September meeting of trustees. It becomes effective Jan. 1, 2009, the board announced.

“Children are a precious resource entrusted to us and their care and protection is a top priority,” according to an executive summary of the policy. “Because almost everyone serving on the mission field interacts with children, we are asking that all short-term mission trip participants ages 18 and older have child protection training and go through a background screening process.”

The process will include references, a criminal background check and an interview by local churches. For those under age 18, only a reference check is required. Screenings are only necessary once every four years regardless of the number of overseas mission trips an individual takes.

“Though it is regrettable that we should even need to consider such a policy for mission team members, we are acutely aware of incidents within our own local churches—even among staff members,” said Ken Winter, IMB vice president of church and partner services, in announcing the new policy Oct. 21.

“We know that many Southern Baptist churches are already providing background checks and training for members who are serving in local church ministry, but it may not extend to those headed overseas as part of a mission team.”

In a “Frequently Asked Questions” portion of the policy posted online, the board said individuals who refuse to submit to a background check will not be permitted to participate in a mission team working with the IMB. The board also will not permit anyone with a history of sexual abuse to serve on a board-related mission trip, and it requested all mission trip participants complete child protection training.

The IMB’s existing policy compels the investigation of any accusation or indication of sexual abuse, as well as immediate dismissal and filing of appropriate criminal charges if sexual abuse is confirmed.

The SBC has come under scrutiny by abuse victims’ advocates who have said their efforts to prevent sexual abuse have been insufficient. Last year, the SBC passed a resolution expressing their “moral outrage” about child sexual abuse.

Earlier this year, the SBC Executive Committee chose not to pursue a proposed database that would track staff members who have been convicted or accused of sexual abuse. The decision was based in part on the autonomy of local churches.

More detailed information about the IMB’s child protection policy can be found at its Web site.

With additional reporting by Baptist Press