Girl X failed by system, inquest told

Child services failed Girl X, who overdosed after allegedly being sexually abused while in NSW care, and left her open to a dangerous life of abuse, an inquest has heard.

Family and Community Services concede failures over years had exposed the girl to abuse, counsel assisting the inquest into Girl X's April 2014 death, Donna Ward, said as she delivered her closing address on Friday.

"There were systemic failings that ultimately brought (the girl) to drug abuse and a dangerous life," Ms Ward told the final day of hearing at the week-long inquest at Glebe Coroner's Court.

At 12 months old the girl had first been removed from home and was moved through a series of failed placements before she was sent to an inner-Sydney shelter.

She was allegedly raped by two carers and charges were laid against one.

During her mid-teens the "vulnerable" girl was being preyed upon by abusive adults and was injecting hard drugs and was probably being prostituted, the inquest heard.

"The harms that accrue from such a background are enormous," Ms Ward said.

"If our community wants to prevent similar teen deaths then we need to take better care of our children."

During the inquest, a childcare worker with 26 years' experience said the life of Girl X, who was 15 when she died, was the most complex case he had encountered.

NSW Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee said he hoped to hand down his findings later this month.