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In Switzerland since the beginning of the new millennium, “young adults on welfare benefits” have formed a new category of social action demanding a different approach from that used with other beneficiaries. This article describes the process by which social problems have arisen round this question, and the responses made in terms of social policies. More precisely, it compares the situation in two French-speaking cantons. In spite of the different starting-points, analysis shows the same tendency to favour a policy of mobilising these young adults to engage in vocational training, and to support accompanying measures with this aim in view. Training therefore appears to be a return for benefits given that can be expected and is legitimate and privileged. However this political option poses a number of challenges in terms of social work : this article aims to bring them to light and discussion.