Colorado Judicial Branch
Definition: Orphan, foster child, or ward of the court. A student who was an orphan—both her parents were dead—when 13 or older is independent even if she was subsequently adopted. Likewise, a student who was at any time since the age of 13 a foster child or a ward of the court is independent even if her status changed later. A student is a ward of the court if it has assumed legal custody of her. In some states the court may impose its authority over a juvenile who remains in the legal custody of her parents; such a student is not a ward of the court. Also, incarceration of a student does not qualify her as a ward of the court. In some states the phrase “ward of the state” is used. This is considered the same as a ward of the court for dependency status as long as the student is a ward of the state not due to incarceration.
Form for confirming foster care may be found at the link below: