So here's the deal.

I just built this rifle a week or two ago for the wife.

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l566/drifts14x/Snapbucket/4063BBB9-orig.jpg

Now, in the picture, you can see the scope covers the charging handle.

I moved the scope forward more, but the charging handle, or, more particularly, the latch is still difficult to operate.

Is there something that would make the handle longer on the side? Some kind of latch that would give me an extra .5" or so?

So it does not come up as a solution, the wife is having a hard time with the cheek weld already, so making the scope higher is going to make life more difficult, and is not the kind of step I am looking to take.

Also, while I love the idea of a side-charging upper, this is not going to work out $$$-wise.

Are there any modifications you all recommend? Perhaps a new latch that will legitimately add the length? Or even a strap or something to assist her with charging?

If you want to look into a new charging handle, a BCM Gunfighter mod 3 would be a great replacement.
The mod 3 is the large latch, which sticks out a ridiculous amount. It would probably be just what you are looking for.

I would get BCM Gunfighter, either a Mod 3 or Mod 4.  If you you only want to upgrade the latch then the PRI Big Latch is good.

I just put a BCM Gunfighter mod 3 large handle on my new build. I found what I read other people had found as well, that it can pinch your finger. I'm not thrilled with that. On my rifle I added a Badger Tactical latch to my stock charging handle and that seems like a nice upgrade

I'm also in the BCM Gunfighter crowd.

I have both a BCM Gunfighter (latch and handle) and a Badger Ordinance Tac-Latch (latch only...replace exisiting latch on standard handle).  Both work great.

I would go with the BCM GunFighter Mod 3.

Why was that scope chosen?

Sure, a big latch charging handle is likely the best solution - if that scope has to remain there. Otherwise, the eye relief looks all wrong to me, I'd get a cantilever mount and move it a lot more forward. That will solve the latch problem, too.

Replace the latch with a Badger TAC Latch. $20 bucks and your problem is solved. When you HALO into Afganistan, spend the money for the BCM Gunfighter.

BCM Model 3.

The Bravo is probably one of the best mods you can make to a AR. By pulling on the latch side it feels like a side charging handle . You don't feel the twist and torque of the charging handle as on the standard one.

I'm with Tirod.  That scope looks too far back which may be the issue your wife is having with the cheek weld.  A cantilever mount like a PEPR on the low cost side or a Larue at the other end would move the scope forward and be more forgiving on eye relief.  However, you will still have the issue with the rear of the scope blocking the charging handle.  For that problem, I too would recommend the Gunfighter Mod 3 or a bigger charging handle latch.

+1