A TROUBLED teen has given the Carmody Inquiry into child protection an expletive-ridden insight into the violent world of youth residential care.

The boy - who turns 17 this year - took the stand yesterday to tell lawyers about his life which includes round-the-clock staff, two cars, and a cleaning and cooking service.

The youth who gave evidence was removed from his mother when he was about 15 and now lives in a group residential home costing $800,000 per annum.

He was the only occupant for up to six months of last year.

The Carmody Inquiry has turned the spotlight on residential care after police gave evidence residential care homes - run by private companies and costing more than $1000 a day per child - are swallowing up police resources with constant callouts, often relating to violent crime, runaways and drug abuse.

Counsel Assisting Ryan Haddrick told the inquiry the cost of the homes was a "scandal" while other witnesses have questioned whether more than 600 youths living in residential care have any chance of improving their lives.

The 16-year-old boy who fronted the inquiry yesterday and cannot be named said the youth workers who cared for him had to do what he wanted in terms of cooking, cleaning and clothes washing.

"They have to bow to me," he said.

The boy also said he was aware no one could physically touch him by law.

His mother - "she never wants me back" - would slap him if he swore, he said.

But after moving into state care he had learned his rights.

"They are not allowed to belt anyone," he said.

Under cross-examination from Mr Haddrick, the youth appeared supremely confident.

He told Mr Haddrick that he looked forward to having his own subsidised unit to live in later this year, where he would only be required to pay 25 per cent of the rent - using welfare benefits to cover the cost.

The inquiry continues today.