When Andrew ran away from his Camberwell home on Monday, he left a long note on the kitchen table, grabbed his myki and backpack, and headed to the train station.

His parents were beside themselves. "He's very upset with himself, and that's why he's taken off. We just want him to know it's OK, he's not in any trouble, just to come home," his mother, Cindy, said at a press conference that afternoon.

Andrew talks to Protective Services Officers at Melbourne Central station. Credit:Rebecca Ainslie

The family said the 11-year-old was feeling ashamed after being caught handing his friends treats while he was on duty at his school canteen.

Andrew left home about 8.30am Monday, and was found by Protective Services Officers outside McDonald's at Melbourne Central train station less than 12 hours later, at 7.30pm.