Computer glitches slow planned funding for anti-child abuse teams

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Computer glitches are being blamed for slowing the flow of money intended for teams that fight child abuse in Oklahoma.

The Legislature increased civil filing fees and other court fees by ten dollars, intending to raise nearly four (m) million dollars for the teams.

County clerks say the computer problems are the result of upgrades made late last year in the state's eight most populous counties.

Tulsa County Court Clerk Sally Howe Smith says the problem is beyond her control. She says the county is collecting the increased fee. Smith says the money owed to the Department of Human Services will be disbursed as soon as possible.

Oklahoma County Court Clerk Priscilla Presley estimates the county owes 750-to-800-thousand dollars. She says a large payment could be made in as little as two weeks.