The rain was pouring by the time Rick and Michele Spielman arrived at the South Side Chicago school that they hoped would finally put an end to their long quest to start a family. The couple had already endured a failed pregnancy and infertility treatments, and were years into the adoption process when they arrived on a summer night at the adoption festival. They’d been told there would be a seminar and the chance to meet with several foster children.



But when they arrived, they learned the downpour had prevented several children from making it. Only four were there, huddled together in a small classroom. Nearly 200 prospective parents were there. The classroom was so cramped that Rick waited outside and never went in. Michele came out in tears.



It was overwhelming and disenchanting, the site of 90 couples jostling for a look at four foster children.



How would they ever get the family they so wanted if this were the experience, stuck filling out...