The Walloon Government has approved, on third reading, the FOREM/CPAS decree aimed at strengthening the consistency and effectiveness of support for jobseekers receiving CPAS benefits
This decree establishes a clear framework for quickly activating recipients of the integration income: mandatory registration with FOREM within four weeks of the benefit being granted, or within ninety days for those already being supported when the text enters into force, set at 1 January 2026.
The Minister states: “This decree is primarily aimed at offering more effective and consistent support to those who need it. By strengthening cooperation between FOREM and the CPAS, we are creating a genuine partnership that will allow each beneficiary to receive comprehensive follow-up, combining social support with access to training and employment. This synergy between the two actors will make it possible to set clear objectives and result obligations, while respecting each one's own responsibilities.”.
A strengthened partnership
Cooperation between the CPAS and FOREM will be strengthened through better information exchange and structured coordination of actions.
This structured cooperation aims to:
- Simplify the beneficiary's journey by avoiding duplicate follow-up and administrative inconsistencies, and by ensuring continuity of support from FOREM where relevant;
- Strengthen the effectiveness of employment and integration policies;
- Better mobilise public resources around a shared goal of social and professional inclusion.
- Offer an integrated path to combat the merry-go-round of social benefits.
The CPAS informs beneficiaries of their rights and obligations, analyses the beneficiary's social situation and directs support according to identified needs, and may delegate the path towards employment to FOREM where it deems this relevant.
FOREM, for its part, will fully assume its role as coordinator in guidance, training and (re)employment, aligning its action with the social support provided by the CPAS, in order to offer beneficiaries comprehensive and consistent support.
Tools to ensure consistency
All interventions will be recorded in the jobseeker's single file, ensuring consistent follow-up in compliance with the GDPR.
The decree also provides for the transmission to the CPAS of failures identified by FOREM and regulates the exchange of information.
Joint governance
To ensure transparency and effectiveness, biannual consultations will be held at strategic, tactical and operational level. A joint annual report by FOREM and the Federation of CPAS will provide an overview of registrations, follow-ups, training and job placements.
“With this tailored support, our aim is to reach out and leave no one behind,” the Minister concludes.