“Please know the safety of our patients, staff, and visitors at Elliot Health System remains our highest priority,” communications manager Crystal Mockler said, referring further questions to local authorities.

Colbath is charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault. It was not clear whether he has a lawyer. He did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.

Colbath made his initial court appearance in Manchester District Court on Monday. He didn’t enter a plea and was released on personal recognizance, with conditions that include having no contact with the victim or her family, and staying away from Elliot Hospital except in the case of a medical emergency.

His next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 8.

Amanda Grady Sexton, public affairs director for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence reminded parents that they are not alone. Confidential services are available around-the-clock for those who may need help or guidance, she said.

“The allegations in this case are heartbreaking and remind us that even in places dedicated to healing, children can be vulnerable,” Grady Sexton said. “Ensuring strong safeguards, clear reporting pathways, and immediate support for families is vital.”

Those impacted by domestic and sexual violence or stalking can access free and confidential support services by calling the 24/7 statewide helpline at 866-644-3574.

Those who suspect that a child has been abused or neglected are required to report that concern to the state. The New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth, and Families central intake unit can be reached at 800-894-5533 (from within New Hampshire) or 603-271-6562 (from anywhere).

Steven Porter can be reached at steven.porter@globe.com. Follow him @reporterporter.

• Homelessness decreased by 8 percent in New Hampshire’s 2024 point-in-time count, the third-highest percentage decrease in the country. The point-in-time count is a tally of how many people are homeless during one night in January. It shows how many people might not have a place to go, even during the coldest months.
• There are some signs that family homelessness is going down, decreasing by 8 percent to 10 percent, based on two data sets. From 2023 to 2024, families with children experiencing homelessness dropped from 793 families to 729 families, according to the point-in-time count.
• There was an 8 percent decline in the number of homeless veterans in 2024, indicating efforts to improve support for veterans is working.

It also identified some causes for concern:

• The most vulnerable individuals in the state are still struggling. People who have a disability and are “chronically” homeless – have been homeless for more than 12 months – make up a bigger percentage of the total homeless population in the state than they did previously.
• Unsheltered homelessness has almost quadrupled from 2019 to 2024.
• Older adults were identified as a group of critical concern, as this part of the population grows. Of those who experienced homelessness for the first time in 2024, almost one in four were 55 or older. The report found their risk of housing instability and homelessness continues to increase.

Changes to federal funding are also sparking concern among local advocates and providers.

“While there is much positive news for N.H. to celebrate within the pages of this report, the unfortunate truth is that the hard-earned gains made by providers and advocates are currently being overshadowed by critically concerning changes to federal funding for housing and homeless services,” Jennifer Chisholm, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness, wrote in the report.

“The new funding requirements and priorities threaten to destabilize the existing network of homeless services in NH and throughout the country,” she said.

New federal requirements could result in more than 400 people in New Hampshire losing permanent housing, the National Alliance to End Homelessness found.

This story appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, a free newsletter focused on New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles elsewhere. To receive it via email Monday through Friday, sign up here.

Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.