TERMS OF USE

For visitors and users of HopeBubble
Last updated: 1/15/2026

1. Acceptance of These Terms

By using our website, chat platform, or any services provided by HopeBubble, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the platform.

These terms exist to protect you, our volunteers, and the integrity of the support we offer.

2. Nature of Our Services

HopeBubble provides non-clinical, peer-based emotional support.

We are not a crisis hotline, therapy service, or medical provider.

Our listeners:

• Are trained volunteers or staff
• Offer emotional support and encouragement
• Do not diagnose, treat, or provide professional counseling
• Do not replace licensed mental health care

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please contact:

• 911
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Local emergency services

3. Eligibility to Use the Platform

You may use our services if:

• You are at least 14 years old
• You agree to these Terms of Use
• You understand that our support is non-clinical

Minors under 14 should not use the platform.

4. User Responsibilities

When using our platform, you agree to:

• Share information truthfully
• Treat listeners with respect
• Avoid abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior
• Not use the service to exploit, harm, or manipulate others
• Not impersonate another person
• Not use the platform for illegal activities

We reserve the right to restrict access to anyone who violates these expectations.

5. Confidentiality & Privacy

We take your privacy seriously.

Your conversations are private within our organization, except in situations involving safety or legal requirements.

Confidentiality may be broken if:

• A minor is being abused or neglected (mandatory reporting)
• You express intent to harm yourself or someone else
• We are required by law to disclose information

For full details, please see our Privacy Notice.

6. Mandatory Reporting (Indiana Law)

Indiana requires every person to report suspected:

• Child abuse
• Child neglect
• A minor in danger

If you share information that suggests a minor is unsafe, we must report it to the appropriate authorities.

7. No Professional Advice

The support you receive from our listeners is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or professional advice.

You agree not to rely on our platform as a substitute for:

• Therapy
• Counseling
• Medical treatment
• Emergency services

We encourage you to seek professional help when needed.

8. Platform Use & Availability

We strive to keep our platform available and functioning, but we cannot guarantee:

• Uninterrupted access
• Error-free operation
• Perfect security
• Immediate response times

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue services at any time.

9. User Content

Anything you share in the chat remains your responsibility.

You agree not to submit content that is:

• Illegal
• Threatening
• Harassing
• Hateful
• Exploitative
• Violent
• Spam or advertising

We may remove or restrict content that violates these guidelines.

10. Limitation of Liability

By using our platform, you agree that HopeBubble, its staff, volunteers, and board members are not liable for:

• Decisions you make based on conversations
• Emotional distress resulting from use of the platform
• Technical issues or interruptions
• Unauthorized access to your data despite reasonable security measures

Our services are provided "as is" and "as available."

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HopeBubble and its team from any claims arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your interactions with listeners

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Use at any time.

The "Last updated" date will reflect any changes.

Continued use of the platform means you accept the updated terms.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Use, you can reach us at: [Contact information]