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French to English translations [PRO] Social Sciences - Social Science, Sociology, Ethics, etc. / social work, crime prevention
French term or phrase:jeune en grande détresse
Context: "La Fondation est un organisme à but non lucratif visant à promouvoir, encourager et soutenir le développement de projets pouvant favoriser l'intégration sociale des jeunes en grande détresse."
I am sure there is an EN equiv. for this somewhat euphemistic term for teenagers whose situation means they could become deliquents unless they are helped.
Explanation: This is a quite standard American translation of "jeune en grande détresse," widely used in media and government of all levels. May not be appropriate if you have a Canadian document. See Nancy's answer above.
It is in fact this vagueness that is used in the US, at-risk youth, are "at risk" of any number of the conditions mentioned above, drug use, unwanted pregnancy, delinquency, etc. Don't know if that helps, but the use of this term seems to be a catch all.
oops, my comment may have led you down the wrong track
18:31 May 8, 2008
I realize now that it is only my interpretation that these teenagers could become deliquant. I am translating for a firm who has made donations to the Foundation (so the exact status of the teens may not be crucial).
The description goes on to say "Il s'agit d'une aide complémentaire, répondant à des besoins essentiels de dépannage et supportante pour les jeunes."
So it could be that they are at risk due to poverty and or abuse.
Maybe the vagueness of "at risk" is actualy helpful?
Hi Joshua - Are these individuals at risk of becoming criminals, or at risk of being subject to abuse, poverty, etc.? There seem to be two interpretations here.
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Answers
2 mins confidence: peer agreement (net): +4
young people (who are) at risk
Explanation: maybe... often used, I think
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 4 mins (2008-05-08 15:38:45 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
This link also uses the term "troubled teens" (which I personally find a bit 'twee') http://www.at-risk.org/
katsy Local time: 23:44 Native speaker of: English
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank-you, Katsy, but I went with at-risk youth so as to have adj. followed by noun.
The translation workplace 
peer agreement (net): +4