(a) When a person who is serving a sentence imposed as the result of an offense or offenses committed when he or she was less than eighteen years of age becomes eligible for parole pursuant to applicable provisions of this code, including, but not limited to, section twenty-three, article eleven, chapter sixty-one thereof, the parole board shall ensure that the procedures governing its consideration of the person's application for parole ensure that he or she is provided a meaningful opportunity to obtain release and shall adopt rules and guidelines to do so that are consistent with existing case law.

(b) During a parole hearing involving a person described in subsection (a) of this section, in addition to other factors required by law to be considered by the parole board, the parole board shall take into consideration the diminished culpability of juveniles as compared to that of adults, the hallmark features of youth, and any subsequent growth and increased maturity of the prisoner during incarceration. The board shall also consider the following:

(1) A review of educational and court documents;

(2) Participation in available rehabilitative and educational programs while in prison;

(3) Age at the time of the offense;

(4) Immaturity at the time of the offense;

(5) Home and community environment at the time of the offense;

(6) Efforts made toward rehabilitation;

(7) Evidence of remorse; and

(8) Any other factors or circumstances the board considers relevant.