Trends described in the planning and management of block grant programs are based on 13 states' implementation of seven block grants: (1) alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services; (2) community services; (3) education; (4) low-income home energy assistance; (5) maternal and child health services; (6) preventive health and health services; and (7) social services. For programs other than community services, states used existing organizations and provider networks. The 13 states reported management improvements that focused on reduced time and effort in the preparation of applications and reports, changed or standardized administrative procedures, improved planning and budgeting, and better use of staff. The absence of uniform and consistent data at the state level precluded measurement of state administrative costs. In 1984 Congress added new data collection provisions to five of the seven block grants, and the 1984 Single Audit Act created uniform audit requirements for federal assistance to state and local governments. The appendixes contain a list of the 11 reports issued to date by the General Accounting Office on the implementation of block grants and a letter from the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs requesting this study. (MLF)